California's avocado growers, such as Andreas Tompros, continue cultivation despite setbacks like wildfires. Tompros, who lost a significant portion of his orchard, is not deterred and plans to replant nearly 300 avocado trees, reflecting confidence in ongoing consumer demand. The introduction of Mexican avocados into the U.S. market since 1997 has created year-round availability, fostering consumer interest and increasing consumption. Avocado demand is in part driven by heightened awareness of healthy fats, as noted by Emiliano Escobedo, executive director of the Hass Avocado Board. This organization, established through a 2000 U.S. law, has funded marketing initiatives that have expanded avocados' presence in supermarkets and restaurants.
Some experts, like Richard Sexton from the University of California, Davis, highlight how avocado consumption has outpaced that of other fruits. Escobedo states that 60% of U.S. households currently purchase avocados, with growth potential especially in the Northeast. Despite geopolitical tensions, such as threatened tariffs on Mexican imports, California growers prefer continuous Mexican avocado imports contingent on rigorous U.S. inspections to safeguard against pests.
Ken Melban of the California Avocado Commission indicates that California contributes about 10% of U.S. avocado consumption. The state produces avocados primarily from April to September, with Mexican imports bridging the gap in production. Ventura County, where shifts from lemon cultivation to avocados are noted, expects increased avocado output as new plantings mature. Rob Brokaw, from a longstanding nursery in the area, reflects on heightened demand for trees, especially post-wildfires, stating, "Right now we are sold out essentially for this year, and we're mostly sold out for 2026."
Tompros, contemplating options post-fire, ultimately chose avocados, driven by the fruit's popularity for products like guacamole. While taking fire precautions, he plans for future yields to supply local packinghouses or be sold as part of gift packages alongside citrus and passionfruit.
Source: AP News
