With the ability to significantly increase its footprint in the U.S. market this summer season, the first shipments of Avocados from Peru have arrived and are available in promotional volumes now until late September.
“As customary, Peru’s fruit will be heavily promoted from Memorial Day to Labor Day in the U.S.,” said Xavier Equihua, president of the Peruvian Avocado Commission.
The U.S. market demand has grown gradually in the past few years, and Peru is prepared to help retailers sell more avocados this year by increasing their footprint. PAC’s expectations are that they will outpace last year’s volume of 180 million pounds.
Peru is the second largest producer/exporter of avocados in the world behind Mexico, with Europe being its No. 1 market followed by the U.S. Peru will export close to a billion pounds worldwide, of which 200-230 million pounds will be exported to U.S. distributors, representing a double-digit increase above 2020.
The Washington, D.C.-headquartered PAC, the industry’s U.S.-based promotional arm, has planned an expansive promotional program throughout the summer. Peru has designed several promotions emphasizing the healthy and active lifestyle that is associated with avocado consumption.
A vast majority of the promotions have been planned with major retailers throughout the U.S. and Canada, and because of the expected increase in volume, Avocados from Peru is in a position to explore additional opportunities with new retailers and foodservice operators.
Some of the highlights PAC is offering this year include the first-of-its-kind TV spots during the Tokyo Olympic coverage on NBC and Telemundo, and a more robust instant rebate coupon (IRC) program. Last year, for the first time in the avocado category, PAC successfully implemented the IRC program with one retailer to give back to consumers during the pandemic. The IRC program was a big success, thus being expanded for 2021.
PAC is also investing in a specific promotional program for organic avocado promotions.
“This is the first time that a produce association under a federal promotional program will invest marketing funds in a program for organic avocados,” said PAC exporter board member Daniel Bustamante of Agricola Cerro Prieto, a key producer of organic avocados in Peru.
“It is important for the avocados category to promote organic avocados because it is without a doubt the fastest growing sector. Avocados from Peru will offer a robust organic promotion program that will be detailed as the season progresses,” said Bob Lucy of Del Rey Avocados, PAC importer and board member.
In 2021, PAC will introduce another industry innovation: the first educational band for mesh bags, in conjunction with several major retailers. The traditional band on the retail pack mesh bag is valuable real estate that is being under-used to educate consumers on how to use and ripen avocados. Additionally, PAC will offer a free downloadable 100-page cookbook for consumers. The new cookbook includes recipes that can be downloaded free of charge by using a QR code or from the website (avocadosfromperu.com).
Peru’s avocados have several points of distinction for U.S. markets. In general, the younger trees that are indicative of Peru’s burgeoning industry tend to produce larger fruit than older trees. Consequently, Peru’s size portfolio skews larger than other points of origin.
In addition, manyPeruvian growers have made a strong commitment to sustainable farming methods. Peru has substantially reduced its water footprint, including the water that is captured from the Andes Mountains annual snowpack.
“Peruvian growers believe that every drop of water counts and are adjusting their practices to honor their commitment to sustainable growing practices,” said PAC Chairman Jose Antonio Castro of Agrokasa.
In addition to the Tokyo Olympic Games, Avocados from Peru will be highly visible in the sport of sailing throughout the summer, as PAC will be a major sponsor at the Second Annual World Avocado Cup Regatta sailing competition to be held July 31-Aug. 1 at the San Diego Yacht Club. The regatta includes branded sailboats from 12 avocado-producing countries.
Over the past handful of seasons, Avocados from Peru has positioned itself as the go-to fruit for active consumers and major retailers from coast to coast.
