Buyers to be warned against immature avos

Fuerte avocados will in future have a “maturity tested” logo attached to assure buyers that the avos will ripen. The sale of immature avocados on the national fresh produce markets is a problem that occurs at the beginning of each avocado season and the South African Avocado Growers’ Association (SAAGA) hopes that this maturity-tested mark will prevent the sale of immature avocados, which can destroy consumer confidence in the fruit. A ccreditation to use the “maturity tested” logo will be granted to growers whose early season Fuerte avocados have a fruit moisture content of 80% or less. accreditation process will involve a subtropical technical officer taking a sample from the orchard for testing by the Perishable Products Export Control Board. SAAGA will distribute pamphlets on the market floors to encourage buyers to look for the logo. Contact (015) 307 3676. – Staff reporter