The avocado production season in Morocco is progressing under favourable weather conditions, following heavy losses due to heatwaves in June and August. While estimates of losses vary among professionals, the current challenge is to obtain a high proportion of large fruits for better commercial prospects. Abdelmoumen El Achkar, CEO of Ecomac, believes this is a perfectly achievable goal.
© Abdelmoumen El Achkar
The producer reflects on the climate-induced damage last summer: "Fruit abortion due to intense heat was widespread. Estimates of losses vary from producer to producer, and no one can provide an exact aggregated figure. Available estimates suggest a loss of between 40% and 60% of the expected volume. In any case, I believe there will be fewer avocados than last season, despite new areas reaching maturity this year. If we manage to harvest 70,000-80,000 tonnes nationwide, that would count as a win."
Conversely, the fewer the fruits on the trees, the larger the sizes growers can obtain. This is what El Achkar is hoping for. He adds, "We expect sizes 12 to 20 to account for 70-80% of production. This is entirely possible given the low density of fruit on the trees and the favourable weather conditions at present. This would also be helpful to offset volume losses, as marketing smaller sizes, 22 to 26, is difficult due to fierce competition in this segment."
© Abdelmoumen El Achkar
Regarding the timing of the start of the season, which is also subject to speculation owing to the challenging weather conditions this summer, El Achkar states: "Reports of a delayed start to the season are credible. I don't think the export season will start before 25 October for the Hass variety, as was the case last season. That is the earliest one can expect, and a delay remains very likely."
The grower announces that he will be attending the Fruit Attraction trade show in Madrid. "Beyond the difficulties related to production, the situation will be complicated from a commercial standpoint, with major changes in the market and competition. It is fair to say that the upcoming season will be a real testing ground," he concludes.
For more information
Abdelmoumen El Achkar
ECOMAC
Tel: +212 661-085166
Email: [email protected]