Fallbrook, CA – It has been almost 11 years now since Del Rey Avocado made both a strategic decision and financial commitment in a significant farming partnership in Peruvian avocados. This investment in land and trees, combined with additional contracted grower is helping the company keep up with the ever-increasing demand for “natures perfect fruit.”
The family-owned company has been committed to producing high-quality avocados in an environmentally sustainable manner since its founding in 1969. So, when the company recognized an emerging trend towards an increasing appetite for avocadoes here in the United States, they decided with due diligence and nurturing relationships to expand their operations in the beautiful and unique growing regions in Peru. “Our investment in Peru is just the beginning of what continues to be a deep-rooted commitment to produce the highest quality fruit for the fastest growing segment in the fresh produce category,” said Bob Lucy, president of Del Rey.
Because Peru is located in the Southern Hemisphere, avocados from Peru are typically available June through September in the United States. This is perfect timing because consumption of avocados increases in the summer months and the availability of quality Hass Avocados from Peru allows us to keep up with demand from our customers. Fresh avocados from Peru have a creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavor.
“We are excited to be growing avocados in Peru and importing high-quality Peruvian Hass avocados to the U.S. during late spring and summer months. This coincides perfectly with high
demand periods here in the U.S. and provides our customers excellent opportunities to promote what we believe is the perfect fruit.” — Donny Lucy, Vice President Del Rey Avocado.
Over the years, Del Rey Avocado has made tremendous investments in planting new trees in diverse growing regions. With consumption of avocados in the United States reaching between 60 and 65 million pounds a week, expanding in Peru makes good sense. The Peruvian season typically begins out of the northern growing regions (Olomos) May and runs thru June and the central regions (Trujillo & Chiclayo) mid-May thru September. The timing of Peru fits perfectly with the California and Mexico season as these regions volume is winding down. Just like our fruit from California and Mexico, avocados from Peru come in a nice range of sizes for every serving or preparation application. Count sizes range from 28 to 84 count per carton.
Peruvian Avocado production and importation are conducted under the guidelines of the Federal Hass Avocado program and has direct oversight of the Unites States Department of Agriculture. “Another benefit of our family owned company making an investment in Peru is all the packing houses are brand new and utilize the latest in technology and safety. Our facilities in Peru are both Primus and Global GAP Certified.
Once harvested, Del Rey’s Peruvian avocados will make their way to the United States landing in ports in Philadelphia, Miami or Los Angeles. The fruit that lands on the eastern seaboard will be distributed through the company’s newly expanded, state-of-the-art distribution facility in Vineland, New Jersey and western arrivals will be distributed out of their new, modern distribution facility in Vista or their headquarters operation in Fallbrook, California.
Del Rey Avocado expects the demand for its fruit to continue to increase. The company is well positioned with strong growers and an international procurement team to keep up with the demand from retailers, foodservice operators, exporters, and ultimately consumers who love Del Rey Avocados.
