The supply of California avocados has tightened up slightly in the past two weeks. "However, it is projected to increase next week and remain steady through Labor Day," says Terry Splane, vice president marketing for the California Avocado Commission. "Volume is expected to taper off after Labor Day, but forecasts indicate supply may be available for regional customers into early fall."
© California Avocado CommissionHarvesting of California avocados in the southern growing regions, where the weather generally warms up earlier for early harvesting and gets hotter sooner, is close to complete. Photos: California Avocado Commission.
This is a bit of a different picture compared to last year at this time, when the California avocado harvest had an unexpectedly long tail after it was initially thought that the season might end earlier. While right now it looks like last season had a little more fruit to harvest at the end of the season than this year, how the rest of the 2025 season will develop is still to be determined. "Based on current field conditions, California avocados are projected to still be available in select markets through October," says Splane.
Influencing the development of a season are weather conditions of course, but fortunately, recent fires in California have not had a major impact on California avocado-growing regions. The weather has been typically hot for this time of year. Harvesting in the southern growing regions, where the weather generally warms up earlier for early harvesting and gets hotter sooner, is close to complete. The central and more northern growing regions continue to harvest.
The interest in California avocados
As for demand, it continues to be strong for California fruit. "The Commission is working with customers and handlers to coordinate marketing support for those who plan to merchandise California avocados as long as there is ample supply," says Splane.
© California Avocado CommissionForecasts indicate that the supply of avocados from California may be available for regional customers into early fall.
That said, for the Hass avocado category, supply this year looks like it will be relatively flat compared to last year and around 2.9 billion pounds, so consumption will necessarily be flat as well. "This is not a function of consumer or customer demand because in this category, consumption is limited by supply," says Splane. "Demand for avocados continues to be very strong, and there is still significant room for consumption growth throughout the country. In California, Hass avocado production continues to hold the lion's share, but growers are also propagating newer varieties like the Lamb Hass, the GEM, and the Reed."
While the Commission is aiming for consumers to look for and choose California avocados, it can be a challenge when it isn't always easy to tell what origins of avocados are available for purchase. This year, though, the Commission found success in elevating brand differentiation at the store level through the use of its branded display bins, customized signage programs, and even some customer-specific avocado bags that clearly displayed the California origin. "This strong support from retailers and foodservice customers is very encouraging, and we are already making plans for next year," says Splane.
Looking ahead, promotable volume of locally grown California avocados is expected to continue through Labor Day.
For more information:
Lori Small
California Avocado Commission
Tel: +1 (949) 341-1955
[email protected]
www.californiaavocado.com
