Index Fresh, a company with a long history of growing, packing, and shipping avocados in California, is known for its extensive portfolio of Hass avocados, with diverse offerings for the retail and foodservice markets. However, it has also focused its efforts on becoming a leader with the new GEM variety.

This variety has been commercially available for over a decade, but in recent years it has gained momentum, with a growing number of growers planting GEM trees to complement their Hass crops. John Dmytriw, vice president of business development at Index Fresh, noted that they were the first to sell and market GEMS, and last year, they packed and shipped approximately 50 percent of California's GEMS sold.

Dmytriw emphasized that they don't see the GEM variety as a "substitute" for Hass, nor as an "inferior" option. They consider it a very good variety in its own right and let the fruit's quality speak for itself.

Farmers have praised some of its cultural advantages, such as being a taller, thinner tree that allows for denser plantings in the orchard. Furthermore, it tends to produce fruit on the outer part of the tree, making harvesting easier and saving on labor costs. The fruit also tends to ripen slightly later and is larger in size.

Dmytriw noted that this makes it attractive to both retail customers and foodservice operators. He also highlighted that the mottled golden skin makes it very appealing for retail displays.

For the 2024 season, Index Fresh expects to begin packing and marketing GEM on April 1, with a volume that will last eight to 12 weeks, depending on the movement.

Regarding California's total avocado crop, Dmytriw said Index Fresh will have slightly more fruit than last year, even though the overall crop has decreased somewhat. He attributed this success to the company's excellent field team, which has helped growers produce a good crop and retain their existing growers, while also attracting new growers to their packing facilities.

Dmytrix shared that they began marketing California avocados in early March and anticipate excellent demand for the fruit, especially during the summer. They are also exploring more sustainable packaging options to reduce plastic use, hoping to introduce new alternatives later in the season.

Source: The Produce News