“We have lost 6,000 tonnes avocados due to the hurricane”

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The dust has sunk and the situation is getting more clear in the Moroccan avocado industry after the storm Bernard caused concern this week. Abdelmoumen El Achkar, avocado producer and chief executive officer of ECOMAC said to FreshPlaza, “It was more worry than danger. The company did sustain some losses but not enough to risk destroying the cause.”

The producer adds “Damage on fruit is 10%, which is about 6,000 tonnes across the country. The fruits that fall are mostly large-sized Hass avocados. The fruits aren’t exported, however, they are of high quality and may be sold in the market in your area. There have been loss of trees that are damaged in total or parts, or uprooted due to storms. Costs as well as volumes is still a bit low because these are mostly younger trees.”

It’s worth mentioning that the storm was able to reach its highest intense force within the Larache region, the cradle of the avocado industry in Morocco and where the winds reached speeds of 106km an hour.

Elachkar offers reassuring words: “Despite the losses, our outlook for the coming season is very positive. In the light of these losses the fact that we’re still in the process of reaching historical levels for exports due to the huge leap produced this season. Demand is still strong even though the hurricane isn’t having a major impact on the marketplace. We’re in contact with our clients and confirmed the receipt of their purchases without cancellations.”

What happens when volume is reduced? Will this increase prices? El Achkar replies, “there’s ample supply available in the market right now, thanks to shipment from Colombia as well as Mexico. Markets are flooded with sizes ranging from 22-28 Prices are beginning to drop. The prices for sizes ranging from 12-20 which is Moroccan farmers’ most valuable assets, are still very competitive in spite of the storm. Prices could rise when the demand starts to pick up. Locally, on the Moroccan market, the prices are constant.”

More information is available here:

Abdelmoumen El Achkar

ECOMAC

Tel: +212 661-085166

Email: moumen.elachkar@ecomacmaroc.com

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Source: The Plantations International Agroforestry Group of Companies