The Hass Avocado Board, which breaks down avocado sales for holidays throughout the seasons, has reported the fourth quarter of 2018 marked a four-year high.
Avocados sold around New Year’s Eve boosted sales to $42.9 million, a 6% increase from last year, besting Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas volume, although Halloween was notable, with a 27% boost in volume from the year before.
“Consumers are adding hass avocados for a nutritious, flavorful twist to traditional holiday classics with great results,” Emiliano Escobedo, executive director of the Hass Avocado Board, said in a news release. “Our Avocado Holiday Retail Recap indicates holiday avocado retail sales have reached new heights. Avocados can be used in baking, beverages and so many unique variations.”
Holiday breakouts for the fourth quarter are:
- Halloween: 41 million units were sold, for a 27% increase,
- Thanksgiving: volumes fell 22%, to 24 million units,
- Christmas: sales were up 19%, to 37 million units, and
- New Year’s Eve: sales were up 13%, to 45 million units.
“In 2018, avocados delivered more green to U.S. retailers during Christmas week with volume up 19% over 2017,” according to the Hass Avocado Board release. “Nationally, dollar sales for Christmas week continued to trend upward with $40.6 million in sales, an increase of more than +8% versus 2017.”
During that week, sales had strong growth in six out of eight regions, with the West leading at a 16% increase year-over-year.
To get more in-depth information about avocado sales for each holiday, visit https://www.hassavocadoboard.com.
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