Guest Column
Los Angeles Celebrates the Arrival of Avocados from Mexico
- About APEAM: A nonprofit organization founded in 1997 to represent the Michoacán avocado industry in its export program to the U.S., APEAM (Association of Producers, Packers and Exporters of Avocados of Michoacán) is dedicated to developing and implementing stringent quality measures to ensure the production of the finest avocados available anywhere, worldwide. APEAM currently represents over 3,500 growers and 26 packers in the state of Michoacán, the heart of Mexico’s main avocado growing region.
- For more information visit: www.avocadosfrommexico.com
- For recipes: www.avocadosfrommexico.com/recipestips.html
Los Angeles Celebrates the Arrival of Avocados from Mexico
LOS ANGELES, CA — February 16, 2007 — A formal celebration — which included traditional guacamole prepared by abuelitas (Mexican grandmas) and a 21st-century recipe demo by Chef Franco De Dominicies of the Millennium Biltmore — marked the formal entry of authentic Avocados from Mexico into the California market.
“February 2007 is the first time that Avocados from Mexico are available in all 50 states, all year-round,” said Jorge Fernández, president of APEAM (Asociacion de Productores y Empacadores Exportadores de Aguacate de Michoacán), the nonprofit organization representing the U.S. export initiatives of the Michoacán avocado industry.
Prized for their rich flavor and creamy consistency, Hass avocados from Mexico have pebbly black skin that protects the pale green fruit inside. The growing conditions in Michoacán, with volcanic soil, warm days and cool breezy nights, are ideal for avocado orchards.
“Los Angeles is not just the largest city in California, it is also the second-largest Mexican city in the world,” said The Honorable Ruben Beltran, Consul General of Mexico, “so it is a great joy to all of us for whom avocados are an important culinary treasure to be able to enjoy the world’s finest avocados here at last.”
The first exports of Avocado from Mexico to the U.S. were permitted in 1997, but to only 19 states and only from November to February. In 2003, the number of states increased to 31, with distribution from October 15 to April 15. Two years later, distribution increased to 47 states, with year-round availability.
Last season — when market barriers still existed — the U.S. saw a 43% increase in total imports from Avocados from Mexico. In fact, demand for Avocados from Mexico has grown 316% in just the past four years, despite regulatory and other restrictions, according to Jorge Fernández, official spokesperson of APEAM. Mexico is expected to produce about 2.2 billion pounds of avocados in the 2006-07 season, of which approximately 380 million pounds will be exported to the U.S.
“The average Mexican consumes an average of 22 pounds of avocados a year, compared to less than 3 pounds per person in the U.S.,” said Mr. Fernández, “so there is still tremendous scope for growth in the U.S. market overall.”
Currently the world’s largest producer of avocados, Mexico is responsible for over a third of total global avocado production. Avocados from Mexico also represent more than 40% of total exports of avocados, worldwide.
To ensure that strict standards are met for all avocados exported from Mexico, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) works with APEAM in inspecting avocado orchards of Michoacán. In addition, USDA inspectors are present at every avocado packinghouse to oversee every aspect of Mexico’s export program.
SAGARPA, the Mexican government’s Ministry of Agriculture — along with APEAM and Mexico’s other produce growers and packers — have established the Mexico Supreme Quality program, whose national standards guarantee the highest quality produce for export.
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