Demand for Hass Avocados up 34% in 2012

The demand for Hass avocados topped the 1.5 billion-pound consumption mark last year, 34 percent more than 2011, during which 1.137 billion pounds were consumed.

U.S. demand for Hass avocados has increased steadily over the last several years due in large part to the many marketing programs executed by the Hass avocado industry. “Stronger avocado supply is motivating retailers to promote the fruit more aggressively, generating increased velocity at point of sale,” said Emiliano Escobedo, executive director for the Irvine, Calif.-based Hass Avocado Board (HAB).

HAB’s nutrition research initiatives are designed to support increased consumption as health professionals and consumers learn about the emerging science behind avocado goodness, according to Escobedo.

In 2013, The Hass avocado market is expected to expand even more, with HAB projecting annual volume for next year to reach 1.65 billion pounds, an increase of 10 percent compared to 2012. An increase in supply and high-impact marketing programs in the U.S. will be the main drivers of this growth.

Additionally, HAB’s new mobile-friendly website allows users to sign up for the optional alert system that lets them know when updates have been made — including volume projection and new nutrition research. The website allows visitors to easily access popular nutrition and retail information by viewing the expanded Nutrition Research and Consumer Research sections, along with an expanded retail data program.

Established in 2002, the Hass Avocado Board represents domestic producers and importers of Hass avocados, directing promotion, research and information programs under supervision of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.