LONG BEACH, CA - As football season kicks off, AvoIntel, Mission Produce's in-house data-driven category management service, reveals compelling insights about avocados emerging as the MVP of gameday snacks. With the Big Game driving 62.3 million units of avocado sales in 2024 and generating over $59.4 million in sales, AvoIntel's analysis underscores the green fruit's solidifying position as a tailgating essential.

“One out of every three football fans lists guacamole as their top gameday snack. And why not? It’s fresh, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with the thrill of every pass and touchdown. Whether you’re watching the pros or college showdowns, a bowl of guac is a must-have to keep the crowd cheering,” shared the company in a release.

Analysis of the 2024-25 football season opener revealed impressive stats, with 54 million avocados sold in a single weekend, marking a 2 percent increase from the previous year. This surge propelled sales to $70.5 million, a notable 22 percent rise from the same period last season, demonstrating the power of AvoIntel's data-driven approach.

Consumer behavior insights show that nearly half of avocado shoppers are football enthusiasts, with 45 percent being NFL fans and 17 percent supporting college teams. ​This alignment between avocado consumption and football viewership presents a significant opportunity for the produce industry to tailor its strategies.​

The data further reveals that the football season offers a prime opportunity for retail, wholesale, and foodservice partners to create winning displays and promotions. During college football playoff season, when avocados are on the shopping list, basket sizes increase by an average of $41, underscoring the potential for strategic marketing efforts.

Leveraging AvoIntel's insights, Mission Produce has partnered with Avocados From Mexico, the official avocado of the College Football Playoff, to offer promotional campaigns for both college and professional football.

As the season progresses, AvoIntel provides valuable data proving avocados' worth as a gameday staple, prompting industry players to develop strong, data-driven merchandising strategies.

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