Del Rey Avocado sees big growth in organic sales
Fallbrook, Calif.-based Del Rey Avocado Co. Inc. is reaping the benefits from its decision 12 years ago to make a commitment to growing organic fruit.
“New customers are requesting organic avocados all the time,” Bob Lucy, company president, said in a news release. “Some of the hottest markets include Portland, Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New England, New York and Baltimore. We are seeing growth in the Southeast as well.”
The company, founded in 1969, began organic production 12 years ago with 200 acres in northern San Diego County. The company has both transitioned existing acreage to organic and planted new trees for organic cultivation, company officials said.
Organic avocados represent about 10% percent of California’s production, but Del Rey Avocado’s organic production exceeds that significantly, according to the release.
The company markets organic avocados year-round, and sources organic supply from California, Mexico, Colombia and Peru.
“Our goal as a company is to be able to have consistent volume year-round,” Patrick Lucy, Del Rey’s vice president, said in the release. “This year alone we are committing 300 new acres of organics internationally, thus enabling us to fill any production gaps in California.”
