Gary Clevenger
California: 81% of avocado harvest complete, and sizes determine prices
USA
Overview
California producers harvested 10.55 million pounds during the week ending July 26, bringing the season total to 267.99 million pounds . With an industrial projection of With 330 million pounds of cattle harvested , the state has completed approximately 81% of the campaign, leaving around 62 million pounds to be picked. Weekly production remained stable, down slightly from the previous week, as the industry continues its seasonal transition from Hass to Lamb Hass. Lamb Hass production increased by 44% compared to the previous week, reaching 2.60 million pounds , which offset the drop in Hass volumes and ensured retailers a strong supply of premium end-of-season fruit.
Market outlook
Although production in California has remained stable, the market continues to be determined more by the caliber than by the total supply. Demand for 40- and 48-unit avocados continues to outpace availability, allowing larger fruit to command significant premiums over 60-unit sizes. At the same time, abundant shipments from Mexico and Peru have generated a large supply of smaller fruit, offering retailers attractive opportunities to promote value avocados, while premium prices persist for larger sizes. This size imbalance remains the defining feature of the current market.
Import update
Imports continue to dominate the total availability of avocados in the U.S. Mexico shipped 42.8 million pounds During the week, while Peru increased its arrivals to 15.9 million pounds , bringing total imports to over 59 million pounds , more than five times California's weekly harvest. These volumes keep the market well supplied, even though California is entering the final fifth of its season.
Vision of the Californian market
The quality of Californian fruit remains outstanding at this late stage of the season, with Lamb Hass gaining prominence in the domestic market. While overall avocado availability is expected to remain ample throughout August, buyers should pay attention to size distribution. Larger sizes will continue to be the tightest segment and should maintain price premiums, while size 60 fruit offers excellent value for aggressive retail promotions.
Gary Clevenger
Freska Produce International, LLC
gary@freskaproduce.com
