Demand for avocados after Cinco de Mayo has remained consistent. "We had Mother's Day too right after that. Traditionally May through July are good months for avocados because there are many events that increase the consumption of avocados including graduations, holidays, and better weather overall and things pick up in foodservice for us," says Ozzie Figueroa of Henry Avocado. "I do think demand will remain consistent for the next two months."
As for Cinco de Mayo, a high avocado consumption holiday, Figueroa noted there weren't as many Cinco de Mayo promotions at retail. That said, the numbers looked similar to last year. "So the movement was there. Prices have been high and I think that's one of the main reasons the promotions were not there," he says.
Avocado supply is coming from four regions at the moment. "We're in full gear in California with supply–mostly a lot of small sizes on a bumper crop," says Figueroa, adding that the good crop has made for plenty of California-specific avocado promotions. He also notes if things continue as is, there should be good volume from California until September.
Mexico winding down
Meanwhile, Mexico is at the tail end of its current "negra" crop and its supply should come down moving into June. "Then into July, it will go up with the summer Loca crop. This crop provides decent volumes."
Then, Peru and Colombia are also shipping fruit. However, the quality of the fruit isn't there yet though it should get better going into June and July.
That product coming in from South America is putting pressure on the market though. "It will also depend on demand–if the demand remains as is and we have more supply, prices will obviously come off. I've only seen prices come off a little bit and California is not there yet but they will start to come off too," says Figueroa.
For more information:
Ozzie Figueroa
Henry Avocado
Tel: +1 (760) 745-6632
[email protected]
www.henryavocado.com