Volume of Peruvian avocados exported to the U.S. this spring and summer jumped about 75%, from 130 million pounds in 2024 to 230 million pounds this year, says Xavier Equihua, president of the Peruvian Avocado Commission.
Equihua attributes the increase to an “on year” in the Peruvian avocado industry and to a movement toward diversification among U.S. buyers as they source their avocados.
“The trend to diversify origins in the U.S. is catching on,” he says. “Retailers now have more choices year-round.”
The Peruvian Avocado Commission also played a role in the sales boost.
“We provided marketing support to 45 retailers,” Equihua says.
Retailers ranged from medium-size supermarkets to major club stores primarily on the East Coast, West Coast and Midwest.
While the commission provides support that includes e-coupons, point-of-purchase materials and advertising circular support, Equihua emphasizes that its programs are not one-size-fits-all.
“We work with the retailer to come up with tactics that work for them,” he says. “We have the broadest menu of marketing support of any of the avocado origins.”
The commission focused attention on Peruvian avocados this summer with guacamole challenges at locations that included:
- The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, where the commission sponsored its third annual Guac-Off Challenge.
- Mariano’s supermarkets’ Bucktown location for the second-annual guacamole challenge supporting the Greater Chicago Food Depository and Northern Illinois Food Bank.
- Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan in Detroit, Aug. 25, with members of the Detroit Tigers baseball team.
During the guacamole challenges, celebrity teams create their signature guacamole recipes, which are evaluated by a panel of judges.
Peruvian avocados should be available in the U.S. into October.
“Quality has been terrific,” Equihua says, and sizing has been mostly medium to large.
Good avocados are available from many origins, Equihua says.
“We’re an origin that’s reliable, socially responsible and environmentally responsible,” he says. “That’s what makes Peruvian avocados special.”
