“Customers respond positively to good-quality avocados”

Avocados are an increasingly popular product. They are the main ingredient for guacamole, and can be used in anything from salads and wraps to smoothies and even brownies. Avocados contain nearly 20 vitamins and minerals in every serving, including potassium, lutein and folate. They are also a good source of vitamins B, C and E. With the rise in popularity the US has seen a rise in avocado production as well, however challenges still remain.

Avocado production in 2016
The value of the US avocado totaled $351.1 million in 2014, of which California is responsible for $328 million. The US produced 197,450 tonnes, with California producing 164,000 tonnes or 83 per cent of the total US volume. The total number of US acres in production stabilised at 61,300, of which California accounts for 53,800 acres.

Hass avocado
“The Hass avocado is the most dominant variety grown in California, while Florida growers typically produce larger, less oily West Indian or Mexican varieties, including Booth, Lula, and Taylor. Californian avocados are marketed year-round and Florida’s market is from June through March. Certain varieties, such as the Hass, have a tendency to bear well only in alternate years. After a season with a low yield, due to factors such as cold (which the avocado does not tolerate well), the trees tend to produce abundantly the next season. This heavy crop depletes stored carbohydrates, resulting in a reduced yield the following season, and thus the alternate bearing pattern becomes.

Californian avocado season
“During peak season, Californian avocados are available at stores around the US, with distribution in California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Oregon and Washington, and in select grocery stores around the rest of the US. IG International also imported avocados from various destinations, such as New Zealand, Mexico and Chile, and this was very successful. Last year, IG International imported approximately 40 shipments of air freight of good-quality avocados. Customers responded very positively to the quality of the fruit, and this year we are planning to import a huge volume of avocados,” Singh continues. As a result of high demand, the overall price of avocado remained high this year.

Cultivation challenges
“Avocados can be grown in a wide range of soils, but are extremely sensitive to poor drainage and cannot withstand water-logging,” Singh explains. “Depending on strain and varieties, avocados can thrive and do well in climatic conditions ranging from truly tropical to warmer parts of the temperate zone. However, it does best in tropical or semitropical areas experiencing some rainfall in summer, and in humid, subtropical areas with summer rains.”

For more information:
Yashpal Singh
IG International
Tel : 022 6627 2000
yashpal.singh@igindia.net
www.igindia.net