The Mexican avocado industry is celebrating the addition of the Jalisco region to the U.S. import market, officially beginning in June 2022. This follows a new agreement between the two countries to allow avocado imports from the Mexican state of Jalisco.
Irving, Texas-based Avocados From Mexico is the No. 1 marketer of avocados in the U.S., and billions of avocados are exported from Mexico to the U.S. every year, with demand continuing to increase. Together, AFM and its two founding avocado organizations: MHAIA (Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association), which represents hundreds of importers and distributors in the U.S., and APEAM A.C. (Association of Avocado Exporting Producers and Packers of Mexico), which already represents more than 30,000 small avocado growers and 74 packers, will now further expand the market opportunity for avocados from Mexico into the U.S.
Until now, all avocado imports from Mexico came from only the Michoacán region. APEAM A.C., the only cooperative partner for exporting avocados into the United States, will now work closely with Jalisco to deliver more avocados to the U.S.
This new agreement will allow the import of fresh Hass avocados from Mexico to expand and will operate under the Cooperative Service Agreement between the USDA-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and APEAM.
“Blessed with rich volcanic soil, natural irrigation and a unique topography, Michoacán exports avocados to the United States year-round, and Jalisco’s integration makes the avocado industry even stronger,” said Jose Luis Gallardo, AFM chairman and APEAM president. “We’re thrilled about this expansion, continuing to help make sure the best avocados are available for American consumers 365 days a year.”
APEAM’s close partnership with the USDA ensures that all avocado growers and packers in Mexico comply with stringent agricultural practices and the highest quality and food safety standards. Avocados imported from Jalisco will adhere to the same standards.
“We’re eager to begin this opportunity to further increase avocado imports to the U.S.,” said Ron Campbell, executive director of MHAIA. “Now, this new region for imports will allow for even larger import numbers, especially during the summer months when the Jalisco region is strongest.”
For more information on the journey of avocados from Mexico to the U.S., visit AvocadoInstitute.org.
Avocados From Mexico is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association, formed for the purpose of advertising, promotion, public relations and research for all stakeholders.
