URUAPAN, Michoacán –- In a visit to Jalisco, Mexico, USDA Under Secretary Edward Avalos announced that the state of Jalisco is now certified to ship avocados to the U.S. Jalisco joins the neighboring state of Michoacán as authorized avocado suppliers to the U.S. market. Mexico’s export program is managed by APEAM in close partnership with the USDA and SAGARPA, Mexico’s agriculture ministry.
Historically, the state of Michoacán has produced all Mexican avocados exported to the U.S., which totaled nearly 1.8 billion pounds last year and represents over 75% of the avocados consumed annually in the U.S. The total volume from Jalisco is expected to be between 100-110 million pounds for the 2016-17 season with the first shipments likely beginning in July. Jalisco will have about 6,000 hectares certified for export.
U.S. demand for avocados has more than doubled in the last ten years and now exceeds two billion pounds per year. The harvesting season for Jalisco is complementary to the year-round supply from Michoacán. Jalisco’s volume will augment traditionally lighter months in Mexico’s overall supply and bolsters its ability to provide strong, steady volumes to the U.S. market all year long.
"We are pleased that Jalisco is now part of APEAM’s export program to the U.S. There is decades of experience behind avocado production and packing in Jalisco, which will continue to benefit our industry partners and consumers,” said APEAM Chairman, Antonio Villaseñor. Mexico is the largest avocado producer in the world and the only place where avocados are available year-round, thanks to a blooming season that lasts the entire year.
According to Avocados From Mexico Chairman, Michael Browne, “The Avocados From Mexico marketing team has worked tirelessly to build sustainable demand across the United States. The news from USDA to expand acceptable growing regions will help to assure year-round supply of fresh avocados from multiple states in Mexico to further support future demand and category growth.”
About APEAM
APEAM is a nonprofit organization founded in 1997 to represent the Hass avocado industry throughout Mexico in its export program for the brand Avocados From Mexico. APEAM is dedicated to developing and implementing stringent quality measures to ensure the production of the finest avocados available anywhere, worldwide. APEAM currently represents more than 17,000 growers and 41 packinghouses.
About Avocados From Mexico
Avocados From Mexico (AFM) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association (MHAIA), formed for the purpose of advertising, promotion, public relations and research for all stakeholders of Avocados From Mexico. Under agreements, MHAIA and the Mexican Avocado Producers & Packers (APEAM A.C.) have combined resources to fund and manage AFM, with the intent to provide a focused, highly effective and efficient marketing program in the United States. AFM is headquartered in Irving, TX.
Source: APEAM
