Foodservice demand improving for avocados

Most California avocado marketers are optimistic that the foodservice trend line is pointing higher, but say making firm predictions is impossible.

“Although it is hard to predict foodservice demands due to the ever-evolving pandemic, the industry anticipates a boost in demand as the vaccine rolls out to more of the population,” said Hector Soltero, senior director of sales planning for Oxnard, Calif.-based Mission Produce. 

“Right now, we are customizing our merchandising approach according to each customer’s needs — many of our foodservice customers are focusing on to-go orders.” 

There will be increased demand for California avocados this year from foodservice customers as more restaurants begin to reopen, said Gary Caloroso, regional business development director for Los Angeles-based Giumarra.

“Foodservice demand is good and it has pivoted a little with fast-casual growing, but remains lower overall than pre-COVID,” said Gahl Crane, sales director for Eco Farms, Temecula, Calif.

Demand from some foodservice merchants declined by 50% or more after the pandemic, said Bob Lucy, president of Del Rey Avocado, Fallbrook, Calif. 
An increase in demand from retail accounts has helped to offset the foodservice decline, Lucy said. 

With more people working from home throughout the U.S., restaurants and cafeterias have seen much less foot traffic during the day. 
Foodservice demand should begin its rebound in 2021 and strongly rebound by 2022, he said.

Ultimately, foodservice demand depends on the U.S. pandemic response and how soon people can safely return to in-person dining and attending activities such as concerts and sporting events, said Peter Shore, director of business development and marketing for Santa Paula, Calif.-based Calavo Growers Inc.