California keeps pace in final stretch

The California season is entering its final stretch with almost 87% of the projected harvest already collected.

California avocado production remained surprisingly stable during the week ending August 9, with approximately 9.47 million pounds harvested , a 5.5% increase from the previous week's 8.98 million pounds . Rather than showing an immediate drop due to the end of the season, California continues to contribute significant volumes as the 2026 campaign moves into its final stages.

Weekly harvest in California

Hass production increased by more than 11% week-on-week, rising from approximately 7.37 million pounds to 8.21 million pounds . Conversely, Lamb Hass production fell from approximately 1.60 million pounds to 1.27 million pounds . Gem production has virtually ceased.

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To date, California has harvested approximately 286.4 million pounds of avocados , of which nearly 263 million pounds are Hass. According to the latest update from the California Avocado Commission (July 14), the season remains on track to reach a projected 330 million pounds . With 87% of the crop already harvested, approximately 43.6 million pounds remain to be picked, confirming that there is still significant fruit to be harvested in this final stage.

Supply transition

The U.S. supply landscape continues to shift toward imported fruit. Mexico reported 32.18 million pounds in the week ending August 9, a sharp decrease from the 44.96 million pounds of the previous week. Peru also saw a decline, from 9.26 million to 7.95 million pounds . Combined, imported Hass apple arrivals totaled 40.28 million pounds .

The combination of lower external volumes and California's stable harvest of nearly 10 million pounds per week should maintain the balance in the short term. California remains a relevant component, especially for retailers that maintain programs with local fruit, although Mexico will gradually assume a larger role in the U.S. supply.

Perspectives

California shouldn't be discounted just because the calendar is moving toward August. The rebound in the Hass harvest shows that significant volume remains. However, with almost 87% of the season completed, the market is clearly entering the final phase of the Californian season.

Mexico: The temporary suspension of inspections in Michoacán had a limited impact. Operations began to partially resume on August 8 following new safety measures. With inventories already moving within the U.S. supply chain, the brief disruption should not significantly affect immediate availability. Attention thus returns to the normal seasonal transition, with California gradually reducing its share and Mexico increasing its market share.

Conclusion

California is nearing the end of its season, but it's not over yet. The weekly harvest remains significant, the campaign is approaching its 330 million pound target , and the transition to Mexico is already underway. The coming weeks will be key in determining how orderly the shift in U.S. supply will be from late-season Californian fruit to greater reliance on Mexican produce.

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