Season summary

California's avocado season is nearing its end, with approximately 25% of the 2025 crop remaining. Last week's harvest was just under 10 million pounds, keeping pace with recent weekly averages. At this rate, there are approximately eight weeks of promotional volume remaining.

To date, 36% of the harvested fruit comes from the southernmost growing regions, while 64% comes from the central and northern growing areas, which extend from central California to the Mexican border. This distribution reflects how the harvest season shifts northward as the season progresses.

Harvest Summary

- Weekly harvest: Just under 10 million pounds

- Main sizes: Sizes 48, 60 and 70 represent approximately 75% of available inventory

- Lamb Hass: The harvest has increased in the last two weeks, with 42% of Lamb Hass being size 48 and larger.

- Fruit quality: Excellent - strong dry matter, consistent ripening and clean internal appearance

- Prices: California fruit prices have remained relatively strong, driven by stable demand and consistent packaging quality

Market conditions: quality considerations

As the market volume from non-California sources increases, reports on fruit quality have been mixed. Common problems observed in some lots include:

- Dark cut meat

- Uneven ripening

- Internal blackening

- Softening or stress related to traffic

To extend shelf life during transit, some of these fruits are shipped in controlled atmosphere (CA) containers, which slow ripening by regulating oxygen and CO₂ levels. While shipping in CA offers benefits, its effectiveness depends heavily on the fruit's maturity and pre-shipment handling. It also adds to transportation costs.

Retail and program planning

With strong availability of core sizes and larger Lamb Hass fruit, retailers and foodservice buyers are well-positioned for end-of-season promotions. Focused planning now ensures consistent supply and inventory performance as we approach the season's finish line.

Looking ahead

The California harvest is expected to continue through early to mid-September. As market competition intensifies and supplies from exporting countries begin to dwindle, prices are expected to remain strong.

Key points

- Weekly harvest: Just under 10 million pounds

- 25% of the California harvest remains, with approximately 8 weeks of promotable volume

- 36% of the harvested fruit comes from Southern California, and 64% from the Central and Northern regions.

- Sizes 48, 60, and 70 represent 75% of the size curve

- The Lamb Hass harvest is increasing, with 42% being size 48 and larger

- Prices remain strong and stable

- Variation in the quality of non-Californian fruit has been observed; transit and ripening factors to consider

- CA containers offer extended shelf life but add cost and depend on pre-shipment maturity

Gary Clevenger Freska Produce International, LLC gary@freskaproduce.com