Index Fresh upgrades packing equipment for California season

Index Fresh, which is expecting to hit peak California avocado harvest in May and June, has upgraded its packing equipment in California as well as its ripening facilities in Texas as it heads to the start of the season.

“Prior to the California season start, we upgraded our sizer equipment and installed a new Spectrum Vision Sort machinery to help streamline and improve our California packing processes,” said Debbie Willmann, vice president of sales.

She added that Index Fresh is also installing additional gassing rooms at its Pharr facility that will more than double its capacity to ripen fruit for its Texas customers.   

Speaking in early March, Willmann acknowledged that the California season is getting off to a later start than usual, but said the company’s first shipments of the season were imminent. “As this season is starting with much different market conditions than last year, along with unusual weather delays, we anticipate growers will harvest with limited volumes in March, increase weekly volumes in April, and hit peak harvesting in the months of May and June.”

She noted that the shipper sources product throughout California’s avocado districts with the majority being in the northern areas.

Avocados have had a promotable price point for several months and Willmann said California fruit will join the promotion party soon. “We believe, for steady supplies, we will begin transitioning some retail and foodservice business in April,” she said.  “Promotable volumes are expected to last through July.”

Index Fresh specifically markets its California fruit with special attention to point of origin as that is a strong selling point. “There is a loyal customer base for California Grown, or locally grown, that spans the entire west coast up to Washington, and that includes neighboring states such as Arizona, Nevada and Idaho.”

To capitalize on that, the company offers standard lugs “designed specifically for California, along with beautiful California netted bags that we pack into any configuration our customers need.”

The Index Fresh executive added: “We see a strong window of opportunity for California growers to harvest during the April through June time period when Mexico is winding down their current season and before Peru begins their peak volumes in July and August.”

Index Fresh is a year-round exclusive avocado distributor with multiple growing districts supplying the company with fruit. “Our California program fits perfectly into our customer programs for the April through June/July time period where there is a great opportunity to offer our customers an alterative to imported fruit.  Our California footprint remains steady.”

She added that in 2023 the company will be marketing more organic avocados.  “A big focus for us this year is the organic category,” Willmann said.  “We see continued growth and opportunity in this space to expand our current programs as well and develop new relationships.”

When the company touts its value proposition, Willmann said one of its points of differentiation is that it is laser focused on the avocado. “Index Fresh is unique in our sole focus is on fresh avocados,” she said.  “Our diversity in global supply that offers security to customers that we will have your orders covered 12 months out of the year, and our overall primary focus, customer service!”