“This year’s avocado crop was of good size for California,” says Jan DeLyser with the California Avocado Commission. “With production of nearly 400 million pounds, it was an above average year and the California harvest was particularly strong from May through July in support of the American Summer Holidays promotions.”
“Due to the alternate-bearing nature of the crop, we are expecting a lighter harvest next year,” DeLyser said. “It’s too early to put a number to the projected crop, since the harvest doesn’t start in earnest until spring of 2017.”
When asked about the coming season, DeLyser indicated that California water reservoirs are in better condition with more water than a year ago. “The early expectations were for El Niño to have a strong impact in Southern California, which didn’t happen, but the north ended up getting more rain,” said DeLyser. In response to ongoing concerns about water, the California avocado industry is transitioning to high-density planting and rootstocks that allow for efficient use of resources.
Avocado demand is strong worldwide
“In general, avocado prices have been strong, as worldwide demand continues to grow exponentially,” mentioned DeLyser. “I recently made a trip to Tokyo and Hong Kong and was impressed with the presence of avocados on restaurant menus.” In response to growing demand, more and more countries are investing in production.
In an average year, the California avocado season starts in spring with brisk supplies during the summer months. Volumes start to come down as of August and usually finish in October in the Morro Bay area.
In the likely event of a smaller 2017 crop, California avocados will have a tighter window of supply. The California Avocado Commission has a targeted account approach with regional retailers, corporate divisions and foodservice operators. “We will work with key accounts who prefer California avocados and establish promotions based on availability,” said DeLyser.
For more information:
Jan DeLyser
California Avocado Commission
Tel: (+1) 949-341-1955