OXNARD, CA - As a born and raised Californian, it’s no surprise that I am solidly in the avocado camp. The creamy product brings flavor and nutrition to both classic and innovative dishes. With Valentine’s Day and Super Bowl promotions in motion, I got in touch with Gary Clevenger, Co-Founder and Managing Member of Freska Produce International, to see how the avocado harvest is coming along.

“Due to all the rain California has seen over the past month, we have not started our California harvest yet, and not all sizes have been released,” Gary shares with me. “However, quality this year should be good as always. California always has great-tasting avocados, and this year will be no different.”

As Gary tells me, there are plenty of avocados available, and this will continue through the summer months. Considering Mexican avocado harvests and volume, harvests are leading to very competitive pricing this year as opposed to last year.

“I expect the bulk of growers in California will start picking in late March and April through July in hopes the market improves,” Gary states. “Last year, there was a shortage in the market, which was a lot higher going into Super Bowl promotions. This year is the complete opposite up to this point, so growers might not pick over the next couple of weeks in hopes that the market turns around in a more favorable way. We are actively working on bringing the freshest California avocados to retail as we prepare for the upcoming holiday and celebrations.”

With fresh and great-tasting avocados on deck, Freska ensures retailers will be well-stocked for eager shoppers. There will be opportunities this year with the company’s Gem variety, which is very similar to the Hass avocado and tends to be a larger piece of fruit with a rich, creamy taste.

Keep an eye on AndNowUKnow to bring the latest updates and developments in all things fresh.

Freska Produce International