“So far, consumer demand for avocados is showing an all-time high in 2015”, says Gary Caloroso with Giumarra Agricom. The industry shipped more than 50 million pounds of avocados per week in the weeks leading up to the Superbowl this year. “These amounts are unheard of”, Caloroso commented. Cinco de Mayo is the industry’s number two event after the Superbowl and we expect shipping volumes to go up in the next few weeks as retailers are getting ready for the peak in consumption. It is a two stage process: retailers usually buy the green hard fruit two to three weeks before an event. They ship it to the store ripened about a week before. “We are trying to figure out where the increase in consumption is coming from and it is probably a collection of reasons”, said Caloroso. Several studies have shown that avocados are a great food nutrition wise. Additionally, more and more restaurant chains offer avocados on their menus, prompting consumers to incorporate avocados in their meals at home, too. Furthermore, the industry is receiving great marketing support for avocados from Mexico and California.
California production ramping up
“Avocado supply is very good and steady at the moment and there should be plenty availability in the weeks leading up to Cinco de Mayo”, Caloroso said. “We are sourcing from California and Mexico right now. The California season runs from February/March through September and is really starting to ramp up as we speak. We source from Mexico every day of the year”, Caloroso added. Good news for the consumer as avocado quality is excellent this year and the fruit has a bigger size compared to last year. Avocado prices have been stable, but are expected to go up. Despite an increase in production volumes, prices traditionally increase in spring and summer due to higher demand. Giumarra Agricom is one of the largest suppliers of avocados in the United States. The company also distributes avocados overseas.
For more information:
Gary Caloroso
Giumarra Agricom
Tel: (+1) 805-653-0297