“Some areas just won't have avocados because of the frost from last year,” noted Dror Eigerman with Galilee Export. “But, because there are many areas that weren't affected, it looks like production will be up this year.” Of the 24 growers from which Galilee sources its fruit, Eigerman estimates four were significantly affected by last year's frost. Those growers won't have any avocados this season, but production from the 20 other growers will make up for what frost-afflicted growers can't produce.
“Those areas not affected by the frost will have high yields,” said Dror. “Overall, I predict a 20 to 30 percent increase in volume for us.” Because avocados were scarce last season, Galilee was able to take advantage of high prices. But Eigerman noted that it would have been even better had growers had more product to take advantage of the ever-growing demand for avocados.
“Demand is high, so even though we might have 20 percent more avocados, that's not a big difference for the market,” Dror said. “From what we see arriving in Europe, prices should stay high. I don't exactly know where the market will be, but, in general, I think it will be good.”
