GLC Cerritos highlights record Mexican avocado season as exports surpass historic milestone
GLC Cerritos highlights record Mexican avocado season as exports surpass historic milestone
As Mexico’s avocado industry surpasses a historic export milestone, GLC Cerritos says the record-setting season reflects both the strength of consumer demand and the growing sophistication of Mexico’s year-round supply capabilities.
This week, Mexico was expected to exceed 2.5 billion pounds of avocados exported to the United States in a single season for the first time ever — eclipsing the previous record set in 2023, with several weeks still remaining in the marketing year.
For GLC Cerritos, the milestone is the culmination of nearly two years of sustained production and supply continuity from Mexico.
“Anyone who follows the avocado business knows there has been a tremendous amount of fruit available this season,” GLC Cerritos said in a statement. “Favorable rains in Mexico combined with new acreage have allowed the industry to avoid many of the supply gaps that historically challenged the category.”
The company noted that the consistent availability of promotable, high-quality fruit has played a direct role in driving increased avocado consumption in the U.S.
Strong supply fuels consumption growth
According to industry estimates, American consumers have eaten nearly 20 percent more avocados this year than ever before, driven largely by a 37 percent increase in Mexican avocado shipments since January 2026.
Two record shipping months — January and March — helped establish weekly crossings of 65 million to 70 million pounds as what many in the trade now consider a “new normal.”
“Consistent supply creates confidence at retail and ultimately creates new avocado users,” according to the GLC Cerritos statement. “When retailers know they can promote fruit consistently and maintain quality, it drives repeat purchases and long-term category growth.”
Although border crossings have slowed somewhat in recent weeks, May shipment levels remain nearly 30 percent ahead of 2025 volumes, underscoring continued strong demand heading into the close of the season.
Jalisco positioned to strengthen year-round availability
As the industry prepares for the start of the 2026-27 season in the coming weeks, GLC Cerritos expects the state of Jalisco to become increasingly important in maintaining Mexico’s position as a reliable year-round avocado supplier.
According to the company, “Jalisco will continue to play a key role in the future of the category. The additional production capacity gives the industry more continuity and helps support year-round programs for retailers.”
GLC Cerritos also emphasized the importance of recently implemented dry matter standards designed to help maintain fruit quality during seasonal transitions.
“Quality remains essential as supply expands,” the statement added. “The industry’s dry matter standards will help ensure consumers continue to receive a consistent eating experience throughout the transition between growing regions.”
Sustainability remains central to strategy
GLC Cerritos said sustainability initiatives also remain a major differentiator for the company as retailer expectations around sourcing continue to evolve.
The company sources avocados from groves certified through programs including GlobalGAP, Rainforest Alliance and Fair Trade, reinforcing its focus on environmentally and socially responsible production.
“Sustainably grown avocados are becoming increasingly important to both retailers and consumers,” the statement said. “Those certifications help differentiate our program and demonstrate our commitment to responsible growing practices.”
Record season reflects category evolution
For GLC Cerritos, the historic export season represents the continued maturation of the avocado category and the growing role Mexico plays in supplying the U.S. market.
“What once would have been considered extraordinary weekly volume is now becoming routine,” said GLC Cerritos. “The category continues to evolve, and Mexico is positioned to become an even more important year-round supplier moving forward.”
