Imports of Mexican Hass avocados continue to make substantial contributions to the U.S. and Mexican economies, according to the latest analysis conducted by Texas A&M University during the 2021-22 growing season.
Since 1997, the avocado supply from Mexico in the U.S. has jumped to more than 2 billion pounds annually, with more than 4 billion pounds in the last two years alone – fueled by consumers’ love of the fruit while also benefiting U.S. national and state economies.
“The new data is a testimony to the positive impact the trade relationship between the two countries can have on the overall economies,” said Ron Campbell, executive director of the Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association.
“The analysis by Texas A&M University clearly shows how the collaboration between the Association of Avocado Exporting Producers and Packers of Mexico and MHAIA is contributing not only to the economic growth of both nations, but also to a localized impact within communities through added jobs, labor income and taxes.”
When comparing results from previous years, this new report reveals the persistent growth and importance of Mexican avocado imports to the U.S. economy. The contribution to total U.S. output increased nearly 560 percent from $1.7 billion in 2012 to $11.2 billion in 2022.
At the same time, the contribution to U.S. GDP (value added) has increased by nearly 410 percent from $1.2 billion in 2012 to $6.1 billion in 2022. The contributions to U.S. labor income, U.S. tax revenues, and employment from 2012-22 have also registered increases.
“The avocado import growth is attributed to two factors – dramatic growth in U.S. demand for avocados and equally dramatic growth in U.S. import supply,” said Gary Williams, emeritus professor at Texas A&M University. “U.S. per capita consumption of avocado fruit has grown to more than 9 pounds and promotion programs like Avocados From Mexico have been instrumental in increasing avocado consumption in the U.S.”
The analysis shows domestic avocado growers have benefited from higher price points and a larger market for their products. In Mexico, avocado farming continues to be a feasible and reliable business venture as it creates 78,000 direct and permanent jobs and more than 300,000 indirect and seasonal jobs, with more than 30,000 growers and 74 packers.
Through Avocados From Mexico, consumers receive fresh Hass avocados, arriving from Mexico in three to five days, with every avocado exported to the U.S. meeting strict dry matter testing requirements. The dry matter test ensures avocados in the U.S. have an adequate oil percentage, which provides the fruit with optimal consistency and taste. The microclimate, volcanic soil and timely rainfall of Michoacán, Mexico, allows avocado trees to bloom year-round in Michoacán, the only region sending Hass avocados to the U.S. 365 days a year.
Now, with the recent addition of avocados from the Mexican state of Jalisco, the industry’s ability to meet year-round demand of avocados in the U.S. is further enhancing. Hass avocados comprise about 95 percent of all U.S. avocado consumption and are the most widely available.
For the full report, visit avocadoinstitute.org.
