For the current supply of avocados arriving in the United States from Mexico, smaller sizes have been scarce and prices for that smaller fruit have been high. Until balance is regained between large and small fruit, the market for small fruit will remain strong.
Avocado supplies are coming from the state of Michoacan, which is the most important Mexican state in terms of avocado production. Because larger sizes are more plentiful, they are not commanding prices as high as those for small fruit. On January 7, prices for a carton of Hass 32s from Mexico were between $15.25 and $20.25 at crossings through Texas. Prices for a carton of Hass 48s and smaller, on the other hand, were between $30.25 and $34.25.
“Overall volumes from Mexico have been light recently,” said Alejandro Knight of Marabella Produce in McAllen, Texas. “That's something which could be due to cold weather in Michoacan.” But the supply of avocados coming into the U.S. has remained steady, nonetheless. Barring extreme weather disruptions, he believes volumes will remain steady and the mix of sizes will even out.
“There will be more smaller sizes in around a month,” said Knight. “That's when we'll see smaller fruit sell for around $23.00 a carton.”
For more information:
Alejandro Knight
Marabella Produce
+1 956 992 0890