Westfalia Fruit is among the world’s leading suppliers of fresh avocados and has maintained a consistent supply of quality avocados for more than 75 years and plans to do so for generations to come. 

“To do this, Westfalia utilizes a diverse supply chain for avocados in multiple continents across the globe, including Peru, allowing access to fruit during uncertain times no matter the preferred region,” said Raina Nelson, president and CEO of Westfalia Fruit Marketing USA.

Peru is a highly valued country of origin for the company’s U.S. and global customer base.

“We grow in 14 different areas across Peru which enables us to maintain good quality and consistent supply,” Nelson said. “Peru provides a significant role in our supply chain, specifically in Europe, Asia, and the U.S. market.”

Westfalia has an extensive history of marketing Peruvian avocados globally. Working with its partner growers, has evolved into one of the largest global suppliers of Peruvian fruit.

“We currently operate four avocado nurseries in Peru and recently opened a state-of-the-art facility in the form of a modern packhouse in Canete,” Nelson said. “In the 2022 season, Westfalia Fruit Peru exported over 2,300 containers and we anticipate similar figures for 2023. Volume was projected to be slightly higher than that of last year, but we believe we will see similar volume here in the U.S. in 2023.”

However, volumes will be a bit more condensed due to a delayed start with fruit coming on later than normal due to unseasonably wetter conditions in 2023.

The company provides technical support to more than more than 100 growers from 1,800 hectares throughout the country’s coast and highlands. At the operation’s nursery, highly-productive Hass avocado plantations are managed through clonal propagation by means of different rootstocks such as Dusa, Duke 7, Degania, Lula and others.

As the company is constantly searching for new growers, an in-house accreditation support team is in place to ensure the highest fruit quality by the highest standards of the industry.

The Peruvian avocado has characteristics that are different than others in its segment. Nelson explained that Peruvian fruit typically has a larger size curve, yielding mostly size 48s and larger. It may also have a thicker skin than other growing areas and Peru is continuously looking to educate consumers on best handling practices.

“As supply continues to increase, customers will gain more confidence in having consistent quality avocados and steady pricing,” Nelson said.

Photo: Raina Nelson