How Mexican Avocado Imports Boost Sales for California Growers: A Fresh Perspective

California Avocado Growers Face Challenges but Stay Optimistic

Andreas Tompros, a 47-year-old avocado grower in Somis, California, is rebuilding after losing his home and part of his orchard to a wildfire last year. Despite this setback, he believes in the future of his farm. “It will come back, and I believe it will become better than it was,” he says.

The avocado market has been unpredictable, but California growers are seeing opportunities, particularly from Mexican imports. When the U.S. lifted its ban on these imports in 1997, many in California worried about competition. Surprisingly, this influx turned out to help, creating a steady supply of avocados year-round. Before this, consumers mainly enjoyed avocados in season.

Growing Demand

Avocado consumption has skyrocketed in the U.S. in the last two decades. Since 2000, individual consumption has tripled to over 8 pounds (3.6 kilograms) per person annually, according to federal data. Nowadays, dishes like avocado toast and guacamole are staples in cafes across the country, not just in big cities.

Emiliano Escobedo, director of the Hass Avocado Board, agrees the demand stems from a growing interest in healthier fats. A U.S. law from 2000 helps fund avocado marketing and research, contributing to this trend. Richard Sexton, a professor of agricultural economics at UC Davis, notes, “The growth rate in avocado consumption relative to other fruits is dramatic.”

Currently, about 60% of U.S. households buy avocados, with many consumers likely to purchase more in areas where the fruit is less common. Escobedo suggests, “There is a lot of opportunity for certain groups of people to increase their purchasing of avocados.”

California’s Unique Position

California grows around 10% of the avocados consumed in the U.S. Most of the fruit is harvested from April to September, while Mexican imports fill the gap year-round. Ken Melban of the California Avocado Commission highlights the importance of these imports and advocates for thorough inspections to keep crops safe from pests.

Many farmers in Southern California are switching to avocados after lemon prices fell due to cheaper imports from Argentina. This shift could increase avocado production in the near future, according to Korinne Bell, Ventura County’s agricultural commissioner.

Resilience Amidst Challenges

Despite risks like wildfires, the avocado market is booming. Demand has surged, especially after the November 2024 fire damaged local orchards. Growers like Rob Brokaw, who runs a family-owned nursery, report being sold out for years to come.

Tompros debated whether to replace his lost orchard with more fire-resistant crops. However, the demand for avocado products, especially around events like the Super Bowl, pushed him to replant. He’s also taking precautions to protect his new trees from future fires.

“It’s still growing in popularity,” Tompros notes about avocados. He hopes it won’t take long before his new trees bear fruit for sale, either through local packinghouses or as part of seasonal gift boxes.

The avocado industry continues to adapt, embracing both challenges and opportunities, proving that with resilience, there’s always room for growth.

For more insights into avocado consumption trends, check the Hass Avocado Board’s statistics.

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California, Agriculture, Andreas Tompros, Mexico, International trade, United States, Los Angeles, Hollywood, General news, Latin America, CA State Wire, Future of food, Tariffs and global trade, Richard Sexton, Rob Brokaw, United States government, Emiliano Escobedo, U.S. news, Ken Melban, Business, U.S. News