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Mexico’s avocado output and exports will rise again in 2020 at the same time growers are looking to improve increase yields and improve environmental conditions, according to a new report.

Robinson Fresh continues to grow its pineapple program from Central America, said Jose Rossignoli, vice president of global sourcing.

Supplies of fresh produce from Mexico will remain tight for a while, and f.o.b. prices will be higher than customers are used to paying, distributors say. Wicked weather is the culprit.

Dominated by Mexican fruit, total U.S. imports of avocados rose 6.4% in 2019 to more than 1.1 million metric tons.

California summer fruit grower-shippers traditionally credit weather with having a say in what kind of season they’ll have.

Fresh fruit sales were up about 9% for the four-week period, while fresh vegetable sales were up 25%.

Exports typically don’t account for much of the volume from California avocado grower-shippers, but most companies have at least a small export program, which they say can be quite lucrative.

New grape varieties are quickly supplanting older, established cousins across Mexico, growers say.

Grower-shippers of Mexican grapes say they expect to have ample supplies in the pipeline for their season, despite some rough weather during the growing season.

They may be produced south of the border, but Mexican-grown avocados have played a pivotal role in bolstering the avocado industry in the U.S.