For retailers looking to increase sales in the avocado category, there might be no better time to promote the fruit than autumn.
“Our Hass Avocado Board data shows conclusively that the fall is the most significant opportunity to increase sales in terms of seasonality for the avocado category,” says Emiliano Escobedo, HAB executive director.
That's because October, November and December are the three lowest-volume months of the year for hass avocado sales. At the same time, shopper traffic increases during that period.
“Taking advantage of that dichotomy would not only drive avocado sales but also boost market basket sales associated with avocados,” Escobedo says.
Del Rey Avocado
Del Rey Avocado Co. Inc., Fallbrook, Calif., is all set for fall promotions.
The company will have a large program from Mexico, with avocados from Jalisco and Michoacan, says Donny Lucy, vice president. Peruvian avocados will be winding down for Del Rey in mid-September, and Colombia's traviesa (off-bloom) season also will be wrapping up. But Colombia's main season will kick off in October and continue through March.
“All indicators are that Mexico will have a very good crop this year,” Lucy says.
The fall season should start with plenty of size 48s, 60s and 70s, but not as many 32s or 36s, he says. However, enough larger sizes should be available to meet fall demand.
Prices started out strong in 2025 but slipped a bit in late June and July, Lucy says. With a large Mexican crop expected, prices might lend themselves to a lot of advertising and promotions, he says.
Index Fresh
Corona, Calif.-based Index Fresh sources avocados from Mexico, California, Peru, Colombia, Chile and the Dominican Republic, says Kellen Stailey Martin, vice president of marketing.
Guatemala is expected to join the company's supply network in late 2025, pending USDA approval.
“This multi-country approach ensures a consistent, year-round supply and helps us manage risks related to weather, tariffs and shifting global demand,” Stailey Martin explains.
Fall volume from Index Fresh is projected to be up slightly compared to 2024.
California had favorable weather conditions this year, which contributed to a strong, consistent crop, she says. Mexico's loca season, which runs from June to September, had a late start because of sporadic harvesting caused by conditions that ranged from heavy rains to near drought.
“Peru and Colombia thus far have seen favorable growing conditions contributing to ample supply,” she says.
Quality looks good, Martin says, and Mexico's new crop is providing a strong supply of medium and small fruit, while Colombia continues to offer a steady, though limited, shipment of 48s, 60s and 70s, she adds.
Villita Avocados
Villita Avocados Inc., Pharr, Texas, will concentrate its fall harvesting in Michoacan and Jalisco with a small ancillary supply coming in from Colombia, says Aaron Acosta, chief strategy officer.
“Preparation for our fall avocado programs this year will start a little earlier than normal — probably mid-August,” he says. “We expect our fall volume to go up this year, as most of the tech and infrastructure upgrades to both our packing facilities are now complete.”
With more favorable weather patterns leading up to the start of the 2025-26 season, Villita is expecting better yields and quality.
Acosta says he expects to see a more equitable harvest cycle this year compared to 2024 in terms of size and volume.
“Last year our total rainfall numbers were lower, and we had a size curve and aggregate volume that was skewed to smaller and lower side of the historical averages,” he says.
Pricing at retail should remain stable, Acosta says. Villita will work with its retail partners “to find ways to provide consistency through the Q's: quality, quantity and quoted price.”
Packaging Perspective
Although bulk product accounts for most avocado sales at retail, suppliers say interest in consumer packs is one the rise.
Ten years ago, bag sales were about 10% of Del Rey's business, Lucy says. Today they account for 20% to 30%.
It's common for retailers to have a bulk aisle display of size 48s or 60s with bags of size 70s or 84s marketed on the shelf next to them, he says.
Many avocado-focused retailers sell four or five stock-keeping units of avocados, he says.
Stailey Martin says Index Fresh offers conventional and organic packaging options in bulk and bagged formats.
“Our avocados are shipped in lugs, flats and [reusable plastic containers] in various sizes to suit our customers' needs,” she adds.
The company can customize bag configurations and provide traditional plastic bags as well as compostable cellulose net bags packaged in recyclable paper film, she says.
Customers of Villita Avocados constantly ask about sustainable packaging, Acosta says.
“We offer several options in the realm of sustainable packaging, from 100% compostable bags to reduced plastic options,” he says.
