Association warns against sale of early and immature avocados

The South African Subtropical Growers Association (Subtrop) says that avocados will be in short supply from January to mid-February before the new season starts.

This two- or three-week shortage prevails even though South African avocados are available almost year-round thanks to new plantings in high-lying areas of Limpopo, KZN and the Western Cape.

“Avocado growers must take care at this time to ensure that their avocados are mature before harvesting so that they will ripen properly.

“Unfortunately, some unscrupulous growers may be tempted to harvest their avocados before they are properly mature to take advantage of high early season prices. Theft of avocados before they are ready to pick is also common,” says Subtrop CEO Derek Donkin.

“The sale of immature avocados, which will not ripen properly, is prohibited in terms of the Agricultural Product Standards Act [119 of 1990]. Inspectors will be testing the maturity levels of early-season avocados offered for sale. If avocados are found to be immature, the sale of this fruit will be prohibited.

“Avocado growers are advised to ensure that their fruit meets the required maturity standard before picking. For the cultivar fuerte, fruit moisture content must be 80% or less. Reputable avocado packhouses are all able to carry out the necessary maturity testing,” says Donkin.

He adds that inspectors will also check avocado maturity on the national fresh produce markets.

“Growers should be sure that their avocados are properly mature before harvesting so that they do not run the risk of their fruit being rejected. The grower will be responsible for the cost of removing immature fruit from the market,” he adds.

For further information on maturity testing, contact Kondi Munzhedzi from Subtrop on 015 307 3676 or 079 672 5037.