Avocado Industry News
The latest avocado industry news, including expert insights on global market trends, crop production, supply chain developments, and retail strategies.
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When Escondido, Calif.-based Henry Avocado opened its new packing and distribution center in 2018, food safety was top of mind.
California’s 2020 avocado harvest is expected to reach nearly 400 million pounds — almost an 85% increase over last year, according to the Irvine-based California Avocado Commission.
Del Monte Fresh Produce NA, Coral Gables, Fla., has opened its own packing facility in Michoacán, Mexico, said Chris Henry, vice president of sales and product management for avocados.
Mission Produce, Oxnard, Calif., has promoted Stephen Fink to vice president of North American Sales.
La Dona Fruit, a Colombian grower and exporter, has launched a colorful band and packaging for avocados and limes for the U.S. and Europe.
Mission Produce Inc., Oxnard, is starting the roadshow for an initial public offering of 9,375,000 shares at $15-$17 a share.
Giro Pack Inc., Atlanta, has introduced its lightest package in its lineup of welded bags in the U.S. and Canada.
Mission’s initial public offering has provided some insights on opportunities the company is looking to pursue in the coming years.
U.S. imports of fresh vegetables from September 2019 through August were up 11%, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The Oppenheimer Group has acquired a 65% stake in the Temecula, Calif.-based avocado grower Eco Farms.
Mexican avocado production and exports to the U.S. will increase again in 2020-21, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service.
Congratulations to Produce Manager, Ethan Lohse from New Seasons Market, Portland, OR, for winning a $100 gift card from Shanley Farms for the 2020 Fall Shanley Farms/Tajin seasoning display contest.
Mission Produce, Oxnard, Calif., has promoted Brooke Becker to sales director.
The Texas cities of Pharr and Laredo represent the top two ports of entry for Mexican avocados, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the appointment of 11 members to the Hass Avocado Board.
Total Chilean avocado exports in 2020 are expected to approach year-ago levels, but a new report from the USDA reveals volumes shipped to the U.S. have been declining as other markets gain share.
With support from U.S. importers and non-specialty crop ag groups, Mexican avocado exporters sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue asking for swift action on a May 2016 final rule that approved avocado imports from all of Mexico. The USDA currently allows only Mexican avocados grown in the state of Michoacán state to enter the U.S. The letter said the final rule was based upon a detailed pest-risk analysis that showed expanding the program would not jeopardize the phytosanitary security of U.S. growers.
Riverside, Calif.-based Index Fresh is partnering with growers in Colombia to bring hass avocados to the U.S. market.
Santa Barbara, Calif.-based Apeel Sciences has announced supplier partnerships that company leaders say will enable a year-round supply of Apeel avocados, limes, asparagus, and apples for U.S. retailers and consumers.
In a previous post, I showed charts of fresh fruit and vegetable exports to specific markets.
Seald Sweet International is branching out into avocados with a partnership with Mexican grower Valvilla Produce.
Kroger is rolling out avocados with Apeel Sciences’ shelf-life extender in 1,100 stores, and plans to stock Apeel limes and asparagus in Cincinnati stores this fall.
Mission Produce Inc., Oxnard, Calif., has big plans in Colombia.
New research reveals that millennial shoppers who buy avocados are important both to the avocado category and to the entire produce department.
The phase one trade agreement signed by the U.S. and China Jan. 15 will deliver potential trade gains for U.S. growers of potatoes, blueberries, avocados, and other crops.
Avocados From Mexico’s Guac Nation is back, in a cross promotion with Bud Light and Cholula hot sauce leading into the Super Bowl.
Avocado marketer Index Fresh, Riverside, Calif., is preparing for an extended California avocado season.
With a new season for the GEM avocado, Index Fresh, Riverside, Calif., plans to double the volume of the variety.
Taylor Sokol has been named to the newly created position of director of foodservice for Apeel Sciences, Goleta, Calif.
Berry People is in growth mode, hiring people and moving to a larger office in Hollister to accommodate the new sales and administrative teams.