Washington, DC – The recent freeze in Chile will have no effect on Hass Avocado imports to the U.S. for the 2011-2012 season, according to Xavier Equihua, Executive Director & CEO of the Chilean Avocado Importers Association (CAIA).
During the past four weeks, temperatures fell to significant lows in Chile’s Metropolitan, Fourth and Fifth growing regions. However, the Comité de Paltas Hass de Chile carefully inspected the affected growing areas and reported only minimal 5% – 10% impact for the crop overall, which is still projected to be 25% larger than the prior season. Projected imports to the U.S. remain unchanged at 170 million pounds.
“We are very pleased that the crops did not sustain any significant damage from the recent freezing temperatures in Chile,” stated Adolfo Ochagavía V., President, Comité de Paltas Hass de Chile. “The quality of the 2011 Chilean Hass Avocado crop is exceptionally high and we are looking forward to a successful year.”
The Comité de Paltas Hass de Chile is composed of Hass Avocado producers and exporters who represent over 75% of Chile’s Hass Avocado production and exports to the world.
Established in 2002, CAIA is composed of Chilean Avocado importers, exporters and producers. The Association’s main objective is to conduct market development activities and promotions to increase the consumption of Chilean Hass Avocados in the United States during the Chilean season, August through March. Chilean Hass Avocados are available throughout the fall and winter, when California avocados are out of season.
Source: Chilean Avocado Importers Association
