As California avocado season kicks off, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the exceptional quality of California-grown avocados. Renowned for its favorable climate, California’s fertile hills, offshore breezes, and ample sunshine provide ideal growing conditions for avocados. This locally grown fruit is a powerhouse of goodness with nearly 20 vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, making it a nutrient-dense food and sought-after ingredient for healthy cuisine.
Supply for the Demand
Recent volume projections by the California Avocado Commission (CAC) are in the range of 375 million pounds for 2025, 7.14% more than 2024’s surprise totals, and the largest crop estimate for California avocados since 2020. Although high winds shifted earlier estimates, the industry remains optimistic for the season ahead. Many growers have added enhancements to help increase their average per-acre yield, including planting three million new trees.
Continuing the optimism, retailers are encouraged to prepare for a robust supply of locally grown avocados in 2025. Peak availability of California avocados will be spring through summer this year, with fruit sizing and harvest totals dependent on the amount of rain and sunshine expected in the months to come.
The AVO360˚ Experience
Taking a customer-centric approach, West Pak’s avo experts cater to the demand by collaborating closely with customers to create personalized avocado experiences customized to specific regions. The company’s AVO360 program empowers customers with impactful, personalized, and branded avocado packaging, including new regional and nutrition-focused bags, heart-healthy brands, and certified organics.
“West Pak’s AVO360 program is a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering the highest quality fruit and exceptional service to our customers,” proclaims West Pak Avocado CEO Mario Pacheco. “We pride ourselves on being truly customer-obsessed, which is why we strive to address the unique and diverse needs of our clients. Our focus is on providing best-in-class service and tailored avocado experiences that ultimately drive sales.”
West Pak also collaborates closely with avocado commissions, including the California Avocado Commission (CAC), to enhance customer service. CAC’s retail programs encompass merchandising, educational materials, point-of-sale displays, and PLU labels that highlight the sunny point of origin to boost sales.
California Goodness in the Bag
To support retailers and the growing demand for bagged avocados, West Pak has expanded its lineup for the 2025 California season. In addition to the classic California Gold bag in conventional and organic versions, West Pak has unveiled a bagged avocados series that highlights the rich culture of its top sourcing regions. The new country-of-origin bags are the perfect fit for retailers who prefer to highlight the specific growing regions of the avocados they sell. The origins bags were unveiled at the Global Produce and Flower Show in October 2024 and started rolling out versions for Mexico and Colombia right away, with the California bag kicking off in time for the Big Game in February.
Also new for 2025, the California GEM Avocados bag is a unique offering for retailers who want something different. Pear-shaped like Hass fruit but slightly larger, California GEM Avocados have a thick, gold-flecked and dark green skin when ripe, which peels easily for a delectable eating experience. This rare variety serves up a slightly nutty sweetness with a highly versatile creamy-buttery texture that appeals to foodies and families alike.
In time for National Nutrition Month, a new nutritional bag offers the same California goodness as West Pak’s other bagged Hass avocados but with educational, health-focused messaging on the packaging and support material.
“Our goal is to ensure a year-round supply of premium avocados for our customers,” added West Pak Avocado Vice President of Sales and Business Development Joe Nava. “By offering an expanded lineup of bagged avocados, we empower retailers to attract a wider audience and ultimately drive more sales during California avocado season. Our innovative packaging enhances the shopping experience and highlights the incredible flavors and nutritional benefits California avocados provide.”
To add California fruit to their avocado categories, retailers are encouraged to reach out to their West Pak sales rep. More information is also available through West Pak’s AVO360 Resource Center, which offers educational, marketing, and merchandising support, all tailored to meet the needs of retail and foodservice customers across the globe.
