“This year, supply of avocados from Mexico is amazing,” says Mark Garcia with Avocados from Mexico (AFM). “More than 1.5 billion pounds were imported this past year and imports keep increasing each season.” Demand from the US consumer is high and Mexican growers respond by expanding acreages and focusing on increasing yield.
Indigenous to Mexico
The reason avocados grow so well in Mexico is because they are indigenous to Central Mexico. The growing conditions are ideal: volcanic soils, a tropical climate, the right amount of sunshine and ideal moisture levels. “Avocados are grown in Michoacán, Acapulco and Jalisco and these are the only areas in the world where trees have the potential to bloom year-round. As a result, Mexico is the only country that has significant year-round supplies,” added Garcia.
Consumption peaks in US winter
The bulk of the product comes into the US between September and March. “During this time frame, Mexico is the only producing country that has avocados available in substantial quantities. It is also the time when US consumption starts to increase with the start of football season and the peak being the Superbowl,” said Garcia.
Opportunities for growth in foodservice
AFM has a market share of about 75 percent in the US food retail segment. “There are opportunities for us to grow in foodservice,” said Garcia. “Our market share in foodservice is about 63 percent and we are working on educating this segment about year-round availability. Our role is to promote the industry and we are here to bring food retailers as well as foodservice companies in touch with avocado importers in their area.”
For more information:
Mark Garcia
Avocados from Mexico
Tel: (+1) 210-289-3959