Spanish growers urge patience on late avocado harvest as quality concerns rise

Valencian farm groups are calling on the sector to hold back from harvesting late-season Lamb Hass avocados too early, warning that fruit in some orchards has not yet reached proper maturity.

AVA-ASAJA and ASOPROA say picking has already started in a few farms, even though dry-matter levels — a key indicator of eating quality — remain too low in many areas. Harvesting ahead of schedule could disappoint consumers and weaken sales for the rest of the campaign.

Both organisations stress that while demand is strong and prices are attractive, the industry should prioritise flavour and consistency. They recommend waiting roughly another month, depending on the production zone, and completing the main Hass harvest first before moving into Lamb Hass.

The warning comes as rainstorms in Andalusia slow picking and logistics, tightening supply and pushing demand toward other regions such as Valencia. This market pressure, they say, should not justify rushing immature fruit onto the market.

Grower groups also flagged a rise in avocado thefts across Valencia and Castellón, urging authorities to strengthen surveillance in orchards and along the supply chain.

Regional production is expected to exceed 25,000 tonnes this season — up around 5% year on year — supported by new plantings, although some areas continue to report hail-related losses from last summer.

source and photo: avaasaja.org