The avocado category is on the rise in the US market, with sales reportedly up by 8.64 per cent in 2011, as popularity among consumers continues to expand, according to the Association of Avocado Producers and Exporting Packers of Mexico (Apeam).
Avocados are now the fourth-fastest growing fruit category in the US fresh produce department, after cherries, potatoes and squash or pumpkins, Nielsen Perishables Group data has revealed.
Total avocado sales in the US reached some US$595m in 2011, up from US$552m the previous year and US$512m in 2009, according to Nielsen Perishables Group.
In the last three months, Mexican avocado exports to the US have exceeded projected figures, reaching 243m lbs, Apeam said in a news statement.
The association now forecasts shipments will exceed 750m lbs for the 2011/12 season, up from the anticipated 620m lbs.
