Green gems are swelling into tasty fruit just in time to grace everything from toast and tacos to chocolatey desserts. The Golden State has become intrinsically associated with avocados, and now is the time to be sure your shoppers are able to experience why. For everything from merchandising inspiration to avofacts for health-conscious consumers, we’ve gathered friends and experts to be sure that this is one item you and your customers can check off the list...
Gary Clevenger,“California Hass avocados are known for their rich buttery flavor, creamy texture, and high quality, with a peak season of March through September ensuring a fresh, locally grown production during these months to dominate Southern California retail stores. Retailers should emphasize the ‘local,’ farm-to-table aspect, which appeals to consumers who prefer domestically grown produce. Rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and vitamins, fiber, and potassium, the nutritional benefits of avocados should be promoted with their roles in popular diets like keto, paleo, vegan, and Mediterranean. Cross-promotion and pairing with complementary products like tomatoes, limes, guacamole kits, or even bread and eggs for avocado toast push this even further. Offer large displays during peak times like Cinco de Mayo, Super Bowl, and the summer BBQ season for California avocados’ peak freshness and local appeal—and don’t forget National Avocado Day on July 31!”
Gary Caloroso,“We are excited to kick off California avocado season this year, with a larger crop forecasted and promotable volumes starting in late March. Consumer demand for avocados rose again in 2024, and we expect this trend to continue into 2025. At Giumarra Companies, our goal is to work with retailers to increase consumption so shoppers are making avocados a staple addition to their baskets for inclusion in daily eating occasions. We provide tailored merchandising support to promote California avocados in-store and online, creating a win-win strategy that boosts category sales.”
Diana McClean,“Avocados are the real MVP this football season, and the biggest ‘avo-ccasion’ of the year is right around the corner—the Big Game! We’re ready for our retailers to score big with promotions, winning displays, and purchase bundles for all things avocado! Nearly half of avocado shoppers are fans of the NFL1, and baskets with avocados jump by an average of $41 during college football season2. So, now is the perfect time to cross-merchandise avocados with tomatoes, onions, tortilla chips, and even mangos to inspire shoppers to make guacamole or other fan favorites. With our diversified sourcing strategy, we’ve got our customers covered with the World’s Finest Avocados™ and Mangos this game day.”
Christina Ward,“California avocado demand continues to grow—data shows consistent year-over-year growth in dollar sales, as reported by the Hass Avocado Board (HAB). This ongoing trend reflects consumers’ increasing appetite for nutritious, versatile produce that aligns with their lifestyle and wellness goals. Based in Oxnard, California, our team looks forward to the California season. California is a critical component of our 52-week avocado program at Westfalia Fruit, and we are dedicated to our partnerships and our West Coast Fresh Distribution Center, alongside our continued commitment to actionable sustainability to support long-term growth and bring the best avocados to consumers nationwide.”
Joe Nava,“At West Pak Avocado, our dedication to avocados is at the core of everything we do. That’s why we’re so excited about the upcoming 2025 California season and can’t wait to showcase our customer-centric approach with a full-service avocado experience. With an increase in fruit expected this coming season and a continued rise in demand, we look to provide more locally grown avocados to markets nationwide. Our promise to customers includes enhancing our volume in core Pacific and Western markets while increasing distribution to premium retailers in the Northeast and Southeast regions.
Between collaborations with the California Avocado Commission (CAC) and our AVO360 Experience, the California season is ripe with merchandising possibilities. At West Pak, our Avo Experts offer visually impactful, branded avocado packaging options, including our classic California Gold and new California Origins bags, plus organic options. It’s all designed to elevate the shopper’s avocado experience and bring more sales to checkout.”
Kellen Stailey Martin,“As we approach the 2025 California avocado season, Index Fresh is brimming with excitement. Our deep-rooted connection to California’s avocado industry continues to be a source of pride and inspiration. We’re looking forward to promoting the premium quality and exceptional flavor that California avocados are renowned for. The demand for California avocados remains robust, driven by their consistent quality and the growing trend toward supporting domestic agriculture. At Index Fresh, we’re committed to fostering strong relationships between growers, retailers, and consumers, ensuring that the legacy of California avocados continues to thrive.”
