End of season in California: producers look ahead to the next harvest

The California season is coming to an end and growers are looking ahead to the next harvest

California's avocado harvest slowed again during the week ending September 27, while arrivals from Mexico increased significantly. The latest reports from AMRIC show a larger volume of imported fruit available, just as California enters the final stretch of its season. This week's news also focuses on harvest disruptions in Mexico, marketing results in California, and new pest research in Ventura County.

The harvest in California is slowing down

The industry-adjusted harvest reached 2.63 million pounds, a 19.4% drop from the previous week's 3.27 million pounds. Adjusted shipments fell 27.2% to 4.32 million pounds, though they still exceeded the new crop by 1.69 million pounds, reflecting the movement of existing fruit within the system. The season's adjusted total reached 334.66 million pounds.

The unadjusted volume reported for Hass was 2.45 million pounds, while Lamb Hass contributed 87,800 pounds and GEM remained at zero. In an interview published on September 28, CAC Chairman Ken Melban highlighted the good size and high quality during the main spring and summer sales window. According to the commission, the pace of the harvest should continue to be closely linked to confirmed demand from marketers.

Arrivals from Mexico increase despite the rains

Mexico supplied 66.08 million pounds of Hass avocados, a 23.3% increase from the previous week and equivalent to 94.5% of the imported volume. Arrivals from Peru rose 3.0% to 3.81 million pounds. In total, Hass avocado imports reached 69.89 million pounds, a 22.0% increase. Combined with the adjusted California harvest, total supply reached 72.52 million pounds, a 19.7% increase.

The import report for September 29 showed inventories of 41.44 million pounds, a 12.1% increase compared to the previous week. Mexican stocks rose 15.5% to 38.80 million pounds, while Peruvian stocks fell 21.9% to 2.60 million pounds. The decrease in Peruvian inventories, coupled with a slight increase in arrivals, highlights the need to analyze arrivals and available stocks separately.

On the other hand, Markon's September 29 update reported harvest disruptions in Michoacán due to rain, with possible shipping delays but overall sufficient supply and stable prices. The report does not contradict the high arrivals recorded up to September 27, but rather warns of a specific scheduling risk. Buyers should confirm delivery dates and sizes without assuming a general shortage.

Marketing results guide the next season

The CAC's September 28 marketing update reported 161.7 million digital impressions, 19.9 million social media views, and 891,000 website visits during the 2026 season programs. The commission noted that the results of partnerships with retailers and new channels, such as Instacart, are guiding planning for fiscal year 2026–27.

These figures measure reach and engagement, rather than pounds sold or returns to producers. Even so, the effort to keep the California origin visible is relevant in the competition for consumer attention. The CAC highlighted campaigns in retail networks and foodservice initiatives to offer more ways to use California avocados.

New research on the lace bug plague

On September 24, Hamutahl Cohen of UC Cooperative Extension published initial results from a trial on the lace bug in California avocados. This insect feeds under the leaves and can cause spotting and premature fruit drop. The Entrust product showed the most consistent reductions among the organic treatments evaluated, although none were statistically different from the water control after multiple comparison adjustments.

UC described the findings as preliminary, with no changes to pesticide recommendations. The number of nymphs rebounded after the first week, underscoring the need for continued monitoring. Growers should check the undersides of leaves and consult with their pest management advisor, following current labels and organic certification requirements.

Foodservice opens another avenue of demand

In a statement released on September 23, the Hass Avocado Board highlighted opportunities linked to consumer interest in whole foods, fiber, and nutrient-dense meals. Its most recent foodservice research, developed in partnership with Datassential, identifies avocados as an ideal addition to protein-rich bowls, salads, and sandwiches. For California programs, these uses offer another way to tell the story of quality and origin, expanding consumption beyond guacamole.

Priorities for the end of the season

As September draws to a close, the priorities are clear: coordinating the remaining harvest, remaining vigilant for weather-related delivery changes, and continuing to monitor orchard health after harvest. This week's news prompts a look beyond the final shipments of 2026, toward the trees, customers, and programs that will define the upcoming season.