Prices for avocados from California have been modest as good supplies from Mexico have kept the market in check. Signs point to this year's crop from California being bigger than last year's, so growers are being careful to harvest at a deliberate pace until Mexican imports subside.
“Pricing is lower than that of last year because we have higher volumes shipped,” said Phil Henry with Henry Avocado. “That's enabled some very aggressive promotions to take place.” On April 12, prices for a carton of Hass 32s from California were between $23.25 and $25.25. For Mexican imports, prices for a carton of Hass 32s were between $20.25 and $23.25 at crossings through Texas.
Imports will decline as spring progresses, and though Mexico will continue to ship avocados throughout the year, imports will likely hit their lowest point sometime this summer. California growers will likely manage their volumes such that the space left by fewer Mexican imports will be supplanted by domestic product.
“I think prices will remain steady, and they could possibly rise in the late spring and early summer,” said Henry. “In the U.S., demand improves as the weather gets nicer, so I also expect better demand.”
