SANTA PAULA, CA - Right off the Viva Fresh show floor and eyes on the next big avocado calendar mark, Calavo Vice President of Product Management Peter Shore was ready to share with me what the buy-side can expect for Cinco de Mayo.

“Supplies are looking good from California and Mexico for Cinco de Mayo, with a good mix of sizes and #2 fruit for foodservice,” Peter said when I asked what we can anticipate. “We are seeing excellent flavor and maturity, perfect for guacamole and sliced avocados.”

Calavo offers customized ripening programs and bright “Ripe Now” PLU stickers to help your shoppers find ripe avocados at the point of purchase, ensuring good-eating product doesn’t stay in the store.

“Our avocado bags also offer tips for ripening and storage for the consumer so that every avocado is eaten at peak ripeness,” Peter explained, a point that ensures repeat customers by cultivating a better experience.

He advised retailers can further maximize sales around the holiday with large displays offering multiple sizes of avocados, as well as bagged avocados in both conventional and organic.

“Display this mix with complementary guacamole items such as tomatoes, onions, lemons, limes, and tortilla chips, then add some dynamic signage and balloons to attract visual interest from afar,” he concluded.

Whether we are toasting with chips dripping guac or avo-mixed margaritas, cheers to Cinco de Mayo opportunities on the horizon!