The Hass Avocado Producers Association of Peru (Prohass) announced that Peru will ship its first lots of Hass avocados to Thailand starting in June. Before shipping the first lots, inspectors of the Ministry of Agriculture of Thailand are expected to visit the country so that they can inspect the plantations and certify the packing plants and fruits that will be sent.

After that, the National Agrarian Health Service of Peru (Senasa) is responsible for giving the green-light to the shipments to Thailand.

The fresh avocados will be exported in 4-kilogram boxes. The shipments will be made by sea and by air, due to the distance between both countries.

This year will be a thermometer to see how Perus Hass avocado industry will grow. Last year, it grew by more than 45% thanks to higher production and larger fruits that raised the number of tons. However, this year, the sector expects a lower growth, which would only reach 12%. Production in 2019 is estimated will amount to 300,000 tons of avocado.

Prohass confirmed that, together with Senasa, they are carrying out various works to define phytosanitary regulations that allow the fruit to enter other Asian markets, such as Korea, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

According to the Association of Exporters, the main destiny of the Peruvian avocado is Europe, with almost 60% of the total volume; followed by the United States with 25%. Exports to Asia, led by China and Japan, account for almost 10% and exports to other countries in Latin America for 7%.