Mexico avocado exports to Europe hit by shipping delays

Mexican avocado exports to Europe are facing significant disruptions due to increased maritime transit times and shipping uncertainty. Aztec Fruits, an export group with a distribution office in Leuven, Belgium, reported that for the first time in ten years, the company is not exporting avocados to Europe by sea.

Rodolfo Meza of Aztec Fruits noted that while Mexican harvests are currently strong, the logistics make sea transport too risky. Changes in shipping routes, which now involve calling at several ports in the United States before crossing the Atlantic, have extended transit times to between 25 and 35 days. Previously, the journey took approximately 15 to 16 days. The company stated it will not risk shipments unless they can rely on a reliable transport time of no more than 18 to 19 days to prevent fruit damage.