Gary Clevenger
California market seeks balance with higher quality
USA
Overview
The 2026 avocado season in California is steadily progressing into the second half of the harvest. Last week, [number of] avocados were harvested. 11.3 million pounds , bringing the total accumulated to 246.7 million pounds . With an industrial adjustment that puts production at more than 254 million pounds , the state has completed approximately 75% of the campaign, with the remaining volume concentrated mainly in the northern producing regions.
The harvest continues to be dominated by the Hass avocado , which accounted for more than 10.5 million pounds in the last week. Lamb Hass contributed 700,000 pounds, while the production of GEM It fell to just 74,000 pounds, confirming that his season is nearing its end.
Although Californian production is beginning its seasonal decline, the total supply of avocados remains abundant. Imports reached 52.8 million pounds during the week, led by 37.6 million from Mexico and 13.7 million from Peru . The total volume of the industry approached 66.8 million pounds , reflecting that imported fruit continues to supply most of the US market.
Current inventories in California remain strong: AMRIC managers report around 744,000 boxes of 25 pounds available. Almost 90% corresponds to Hass, with higher concentrations in the key retail sizes: 48, 60 and 70.
Looking ahead to the coming weeks, the weekly harvest in California is expected to continue declining as more southern growers complete their harvest and activity shifts northward. While local supply will adjust throughout the summer, robust shipments from Mexico and Peru should ensure sufficient availability for U.S. retailers.
Industry Watch: Tariff Initiative in California
The California Avocado Commission continues to promote the implementation of a seasonal tariff quota (TRQ) for avocados imported during the local production season. The proposal does not seek to eliminate imports, but rather to establish seasonal thresholds that allow Californian producers to compete more effectively during their harvest window, while maintaining year-round availability for consumers.
The initiative is still under review and has not yet been adopted. However, it has become one of the most closely watched policy issues within the industry, amid debates about the future of U.S. trade policy and the USMCA . Retail buyers should closely monitor these developments, as any future changes could influence seasonal sourcing strategies and domestic market dynamics.
Gary Clevenger
Freska Produce International, LLC
gary@freskaproduce.com
