The avocado season in Tanzania is coming to an end, but exporters report that demand remains strong enough that some orders cannot be fulfilled. Jofrey Ombeni of Onocado Farm gave an update on the season’s close.
“We’re nearing the end of the season, likely in October. Demand remains strong for now, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to ship by sea as the dry matter content rises and stocks run low. We’re currently exporting almost exclusively by air, in batches of five to ten tonnes at a time,” Ombeni says.
“Demand for Tanzanian avocados is so high that exporters can’t keep up,” Ombeni adds. “We can’t fulfill all orders because stocks are running low. Last week alone, 25 containers were shipped from a single region, Njombe, including three containers from our company.”
Demand is concentrated in the Indian market, Ombeni continues. “90 per cent of shipments are destined for India; the rest go to China.” Tanzania’s avocado sector is experiencing strong export momentum to India thanks to zero customs duties.
At this stage of the season, prices range from $8.30 to $9 CIF Nhava Sheva for a 4-kilogram carton, Ombeni says.
According to the exporter, the early harvests for next season will arrive as soon as this season ends. “Starting in October, we’ll have the Fuerte variety. Some of our suppliers have already started harvesting it,” he says.