The California avocado season started with a light harvest right before Super Bowl. “Volumes have increased steadily in March and will continue to do so in April,” says Jan DeLyser with the California Avocado Commission. “Volumes will continue to pick up through June and start dropping in August, “she added. The peak shipping time is mid-April to mid-July, but fruit will be available through October.
Extreme heat during bloom
This year’s California avocado forecast is 200 million pounds, which is about half of last year’s production volume. “We have to keep in mind that avocados are alternate-bearing,” mentioned DeLyser. “A 200 million-pound crop is on the lighter side, but 400 million is a very heavy crop.” In addition to the alternate bearing nature of avocado trees, there was also extreme heat during last year’s bloom as well as some wind incidences.
Strong demand – supply is the limiting factor
As a result of the lower volume, DeLyser doesn’t expect to see deep discounts this season. “Demand continues strong and in combination with a slight reduction in aggregate volume available in the U.S., I don’t expect to see heavily discounted promotions in this market,” DeLyser said. Summer is the strongest quarter for avocados and volume from Mexico is expected to be lower. DeLyser believes there is still untapped volume in the US and significant room for growth – “the limiting factor is supply.”
DeLyser feels very optimistic about the future of California avocados. “The rains have provided some welcome relief for the trees and have been helpful in leaching the soil of salinity. This year’s quality is excellent. The fruit is cutting beautifully and we expect the rain to have a positive impact on next year and future crops.” Most of the California avocado crop is expected to be sold in the West, which means the fruit will be very fresh to market.For more information:
Jan DeLyser
California Avocado Commission
Tel: (+1) 949-341-1955