According to the California Avocado Commission (CAC) (April 25, 2024), the state is expected to produce 208 million pounds in the 2024 season, compared to 237 million pounds produced in 2023. The decline in production is attributed to substantial rainfall in the beginning of the growing season.
California is responsible for the production of approximately 90 percent of all avocados produced in the United States annually, with the majority grown in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Diego countries. The United States imported a record 2.78 billion pounds of fresh avocados in 2023, with Mexico, the leading producer, supplying 89 percent of the volume. A total of 133.7 million pounds of Hass-like organic avocados and 2.56 billion pounds of conventional avocados constituted 97 percent of the overall volume of fresh avocados. Non-Hass avocados comprised an estimated 3 percent of the total volume of fresh avocado imports (83.1 million pounds), with the Dominican Republic being the primary supplier.
Fresh avocado imports ranked second in value among U.S. fresh produce imports in 2023, behind tomatoes, with a total of nearly $3 billion. Avocado demand is winding down as most Cinco-de-Mayo promotions are in place. There was no harvest on May 1 in Mexico as they celebrated Día del Trabajo, their Labor Day holiday. Shippers appreciated the built-in break, as there is plenty of available fruit from competing areas. Movement from Mexico crossings through Texas is expected to decrease slightly.
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Source: mymarketnews.ams.usda.gov