News and Stories

The avocado market has been steadily rising over the last several weeks. Demand is strong and expected to remain high through the Easter holiday. Because the California season is ramping up slowly, the Mexican growing region remains the primary source for avocados. Supplies of 60-count and smaller sizes are ample; some suppliers have limited availability of 48-count and larger fruit.

California

• New crop California harvesting is underway

• Supplies are limited and won’t reach full production levels until mid- to late March

• Peak season will occur from May to July; volume will decrease significantly in August

• The current crop is dominated by 48- to 60-count sizes

• Quality is very good

o Oil content is adequate

o Ripening time is average

Chile

• The 2014/2015 Chilean season has ended in the U.S.

• Volume was 75% below last season

• Most of the crop stayed in Chile or went to Europe, where prices were higher

• The season typically runs from October through April

Mexico

• The Mexican season is year-round with peak production from November through March

• The season consists of four blooms/crops:

o Adventajada (fall crop) – September through December

o Normal (winter crop) – November through April

o Marciena (spring crop) – March through July

o Flora Loca (summer crop) – July through September

• Supplies are dominated by 60- and 70- count fruit; 48-count and larger sizes are limited

• Late-season stocks are mature and dark green with black skin color, even though unripe pressure levels remain firm

• Quality is very good

o Oil content is high

o Fruit requires minimal ripening time

Peru

• Peruvian fruit will begin arriving in late April/early May

• 40- and 48-count sizes will dominate the crop, complimenting the smaller fruit from California and Mexico

• Peak volume is expected from June to August and will be dominated by 40-count and larger sizes

• Peru exported approximately 160 million pounds to the U.S. in 2014 and expects to nearly double that number in 2015

• The industry is extending this year’s shipping schedule from 16 to 20 weeks to help offset the increased volume

• Early season quality will be very good

o Oil content will be low initially

o Fruit will require extra ripening time

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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