Strong US avocado market continues. 23/05/17.
The US market price on avocados remains strong, a situation likely to remain until the new crop for Mexico begins in September. In the current US fiscal year (beginning 1 November 2016), the US has had 12% less fruit available than a year ago.
Avocados conquer the world but Mexicans can't afford them. 23/05/17.
Avocados have conquered consumers' palates in 34 nations, but they are increasingly moving away from the tables of Mexicans. In Mexico, the world's largest producer of the fruit, the daily minimum wage of 80 pesos barely exceeds the cost of one kilogram of the fruit.
American online media outlet raises avocados' environmental cost. 23/05/17.
American media website Bustle, aimed at millennial women globally and with a readership of 50 million, has warned readers the popularity of avocado on toast is an environmental threat. The site’s recent article highlighted water use and Mexican deforestation as production concerns.
First shots fired in avocado Armageddon. 24/05/17.
According to Style journalist Ed Power of Ireland’s Independent newspaper, avocados win the award for the world’s most controversial fruit. His piece notes avocado hand incidents, concerns over-consumption can negate health benefits, and the involvement of Mexican drug cartels in that country’s production system.
Waitrose 1’s premium line top hit is avocado. 22/05/17.
Extra large avocado is the best seller for the top-tier line Waitrose 1. The UK retailer said the extra large avocados, priced a £1.89/each were the best seller a year after the premium own-label range was introduced. Waitrose 1 has more than 500 products.
Mexico’s avocado army stands up to drug cartels. 18/05/17.
In Mexico, avocado farmers face threats greater than the weather and price swings. When Mexican drug cartels threatened the country’s $1.5bn avocado export industry with extortion and murder, farmers in Tancítaro fought back. There were 8,258 murders in Michoacan state between 2006-2015.
Peruvian scarcity might lead Europe to find other suppliers. 18/05/17.
A sharp decline in Mexican production has provided a favourable situation for the Peruvian avocado industry, if the country can overcome storm damage to export infrastructure. Some crops have left from the south but delays are expected for crops from the north and centre of Peru.
Peru’s avocado volume expected to increase 30-40%. 18/05/17.
When Peru experienced heavy rains in March it pushed harvest back by a few weeks but things are looking better with fruit moving from packing houses to ports. Volumes available are expected to increase 30-40% over the last season. The window for Peruvian fruit is also positive with a smaller Californian crop and Mexico winding down.
New Zealand avocado industry reaches record $200 million. 17/05/17.
The New Zealand avocado industry has experienced a record season, with sales reaching $198 million. That’s an increase of $64m on last season and $62m higher than the previous record of $136m in 2013-14. There was increased demand across all markets, with Australia remaining the largest market.
US predicts 123 million pound holiday weekend consumption. 11/05/17.
It is estimated 123 million pounds of Hass avocados will be consumed for Memorial Day weekend activities, surpassing the volume for Cinco de Mayo this year. The California Avocado Commission is taking advantage of the 29 May date coinciding with their prime production season.
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