The supply of avocados right now, largely coming in from Mexico, is good. "We see steady supply coming in from there through March and into April," says Calavo Growers Inc.'s Peter Shore.
Meanwhile, avocado production in California is just getting started, though supply is increasing weekly throughout March and into April as well. "We expect to see peak seasonal supply mid to late April and through June. We'll have California fruit through August," says Shore.
Sizing notes
As for sizing, it's mostly 48s, 60s and 70s. "Then there's not as much volume on the 40s and larger," Shore says. "That's different this year. You go up on a steady slope from small fruit of 84s and up to 48s and then it drops when it comes to 40s, 36s and 32s." He notes that the numerous rains California has seen recently will be beneficial to the crop. "The trees are very healthy and we don't have any rains in the next 10 days. We have sunny weather so that will help to increase the size of the fruit over the next few weeks which will be a good thing," says Shore.
In all, the overall supply is about the same as last year as this time and demand continues to be good for avocados. "Quarters 1 and 2 tend to be the stronger demand period for avocados. Now with daylight savings this past weekend, that will lend itself to spring weather and backyard barbecues and things like that which will help keep consumption strong," says Shore, adding that Calavo is putting together its Peruvian avocado program for the summer months.
For more information:
Peter Shore
Calavo Growers Inc.
Tel: +1 (805) 525-1245
petersh@calavo.com
http://www.calavo.com/