IRVINE, CA - For the love of avocados, I see many shoppers try several different takes in the kitchen, from breakfast to dinner and dessert. This fervor may be attributable to a certain commission, the California Avocado Commission (CAC), in fact, as the organization is always advocating for California avocado growers and spreading invaluable insights to retailers. With shoppers stocking up ahead of Super Bowl LVII, I got in touch with Jan DeLyser to discuss the season and the commission’s latest activities.

“Currently, market conditions are not encouraging California avocado growers to pick much, or any, fruit for the Big Game nor push for early harvesting the way they did last year,” Jan, the Vice President Marketing, tells me, echoing similar insights from last week. “Weather setbacks such as windy conditions occurred as well. However, we’ve had beautiful California sunshine for most of the last couple of weeks. The sunshine is welcome and will help the California avocados grow.”

There may be some fruit picking by a few Californian growers, but CAC anticipates the California avocado season will mainly take place from spring through the summer, with peak availability starting from April through July.

To keep growers and retailers fresh and apprised of the category ahead of the season, the commission hosted a grower field day at Pine Tree Ranch in Santa Paula on January 25. During the well-attended event, Dr. Tim Spann of Spann Ag Research & Consulting and Ben Faber, UC Farm Advisor, led a discussion on cultural management practices specific to the winter 2023 season.

“The topics included cultural management practices to prevent severe alternate bearing patterns and post-freeze/frost grove care,” Jan continues. “Growers also had an opportunity to meet CAC’s new President, Jeff Oberman, and we think the Commission will reach great heights.”

As much as this was an interview on the category, I couldn’t overlook Jan’s upcoming retirement.

For over 24 years, Jan has been the Vice President Marketing for CAC, nearly over half her time within the produce industry. As Jan sees the industry through Super Bowl Sunday and Valentine’s Day, we all here in the office give a very fond farewell to the illustrious leader.

“I am retiring on February 15, so this may be my last interview with AndNowUKnow,” she shares. “I appreciate the creativity of the ANUK and The Snack team and have enjoyed working with all of you these past years.”

Jan’s plans for retirement include getting her and her husband’s home of 40-plus years ready to sell, enlarging their living arrangements in Palm Desert from two bedrooms to a three-bedroom single-story place, and transitioning to summering in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Of course, golf, travel, as well as more time with the family and grandkids are all part of the retirement plans too.

We all wish her the very best as she pens her new chapter.

California Avocado Commission