Index Fresh Brings Colombian Avocados to the U.S. Market
RIVERSIDE, CA - As July comes to a close, the urgency in demand for Colombian avocados has gone up! Index Fresh is now in its third round of offering Colombian avocados with a five-week window winding down this month. Index Fresh’s two previous rounds bringing the Colombian fruit to the U.S. market were merely pilot programs and this third brings a trifecta of projects into the fold with company-wide success.
“Colombian avocados are evolving to become a greater part of our offering for the general market. This is our third season, and each time there’s more availability,” said Giovanni Cavaletto, Vice President of Sourcing. “This fruit is helping fill in a niche that the market is looking for at this time of the year.”
Colombia has two seasons per year for avocados. With high quality and a slightly smaller size complementing the size curve coming out of California, Peru, and Mexico at present, the Colombian Hass for this round is responding to retail demand on the national stage with quality and value.
According to a press release, the traviesa bloom (or off bloom) comes off June through September and represents 35 percent of the total harvest. The normal harvest for Colombian Hass takes place November through February and represents two-thirds of the total harvest.
“Eventually, those two seasons are going to blend. And within a couple of years, Colombia will be a year-round supplier of avocados. Our goal is to have a steady growth each season, and Colombia will be a very important part of our offerings,” said Cavaletto.
He also added that the region has fantastic growing conditions.
“There are three different mountain ranges that, depending on the altitude, are going to be able to provide an extended season. And then their proximity to markets is another big advantage. Colombia has ports on both the Pacific and the Atlantic so that they have really good access for both East Coast and West Coast arrivals,” Cavaletto expressed.
However you slice it, Index Fresh is making the cut in your favor, retailers! Keep checking back with AndNowUKnow as we bring you that latest on a category captain.
