California avocado season is in full swing: quality, prices and forecasts

The harvest for California avocado began in a light way earlier this year but has ramped up significantly in April. California Avocado Commission expects peak availability now through the 4th of July holiday with some lighter volume continuing through August.

“The California avocado crop volume is forecast to be about 175 million pounds, off roughly 50% from last year. This is due to a variety of factors including avocados are alternate bearing and we had a period of extreme heat last July which caused some fruit drop” – explains Jan DeLyser, California Avocado Commission vice president marketing.

Mrs. DeLyser shares that avocado’s quality looks great, while sizing varies. There have been some reports of sizing being a little larger than last year due the lighter crop and the rains in California this year.

About 8% of California avocados are exported. Given the size of this year’s crop, California Avocado Commission expects the majority of volume to be targeted to California and the west with some export shipments anticipated by handlers.

“Supply and demand continue to have an impact on pricing. Demand for California avocados has been strong leading into this season and prices have been stronger since about the first of April”, - ends Jan DeLyser.

Right now some companies offer dozen of hand picked and packed Hass avocados for $34.95 (without shipping).

California Avocado Commission announced start of its 2019 California advertising campaign focusing on CAC’s defined target of “premium Californians” and super avocado users. The Commission’s media plan is expected to run from now through beyond the peak Fourth of July avocado consumption period.

About the California Avocado Commission

Created in 1978, the California Avocado Commission strives to enhance the premium positioning of California avocados through advertising, promotion and public relations, and engages in related industry activities. California avocados are cultivated with uncompromising dedication to quality and freshness, by more than 3,000 growers in the Golden State.