Peru finished its avocado shipments to the U.S. with another big year.
Avocados from Peru, a promotion group, reported that 183 million pounds of Peruvian avocados arrived in the U.S. from June to September, second in import volume to Mexico.
Weekly shipments reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through Oct. 19 show season-to-date imports of Peruvian avocados totaled 157 million pounds, up 12% from 140.2 million pounds a year go.
USDA monthly trade statistics show even bigger gains. The agency said U.S. imported more than 83,000 metric tons from Peru from January through August, 24% above last year’s level. By value, the U.S. imported about $221 million worth of Peruvian avocados in the first eight months of 2019, up 53% from 2018.
Peru accounted for 11.4% of U.S. avocado import volume and 11.3% of U.S. import value for the January through August, up from 5.3% of volume and 5% of value for the same period in 2015.
Avocados from Peru said that from June to September, the country is the largest exporter to Europe and the second largest supplier of imported avocados to the U.S.
Highlights of Peru’s 2019 marketing season included:
- Sponsoring Fox Network’s coverage of the 2019 Women’s World Cup;
- Co-hosting the inaugural World Avocado Cup Regatta;
- Partnering with the New York Jets and making the world’s largest bowl of guacamole;
- Sponsoring the launch of the first Michelin Guide California; and
- Advertising during the Major League Baseball All-Star game.
Health and fitness are a key marketing message associated with Peruvian avocados, according to the group.
“We believe avocados are at the center of health and fitness,” Xavier Equihua, president and CEO of the Peruvian Avocado Commission, said in the release. “We know that young people are changing the world. They love to eat healthy, be active, and they care about quality and food that is sourced responsibly. Peruvian Avocados are the superfood of the summer.”
