Jose Rossignoli, category manager for Robinson Fresh, said avocado sales continue to be strong at the retail level. “Avocados continue to experience strong growth and are one of the top sales drivers in the produce category,” he told The Produce News.

“Consumers are finding more and more ways to incorporate avocados into their meal preparation and are demanding convenient and healthy options for small or quick meals throughout the day,” he continued. “Unlike most fruits, avocados are only eaten on their own 16 percent of the time which makes it easy to pair with other foods, giving consumers the satisfaction that they need in a small meal.”

Robinson Fresh unifies the C.H. Robinson, FoodSource, Rosemont Farms and Timco Worldwide entities into one global business brand and provides products and innovative fresh solutions to retail, wholesale and foodservice customers.

Robinson Fresh said avocados continue to show strong retail growth and are one of the top sales drivers in the produce category. (Photo courtesy of Robinson Fresh)“Mexico is the leader in both production and consumption of avocados,” he continued. “Though advertised throughout the year, avocados are promoted most frequently in the fall and winter months of October through February when Mexican imports to the U.S. are in full swing. The avocado growing season in Mexico typically starts August and runs through October.”

Robinson Fresh offers customers “Green Giant Fresh” avocados in 3-, 4-, and 5-count mesh and stand-up pouch bags that include a variety of recipes and usage tips. “The Green Giant Fresh brand represents a high level of consumer recognition and loyalty within the fresh produce space and is the only produce brand to participate in the nation’s largest school fundraising program, Box Tops for Education,” Rossignoli said.

The company also markets bulk organic avocados with its “Tomorrow’s Organics” brand.

According to Rossignoli, retailers that make fruit such as avocados visible in the produce department tend to capture impulse buys, thereby growing sales. “Robinson Fresh uses point-of-sale data and in-store promotional information to determine which promotion types are the most effective,” he explained.

“Extra space in the store, internal merchandising pushes within the company and mailers to loyal customers can all make a significant impact on sales volume.”

Timing, he added, is also an important component lifting avocado sales. “Though fairly consistent in week-over-week sales throughout the year, there are two weeks during the year where sales increase significantly: the weeks leading up to the Super Bowl and Cinco de Mayo,” he commented. “Retailers can promote and use recipes to increase sales of avocados, especially if they encourage the consumer to use avocados as a substitute in every day meals or as a healthy component in snacks. ‘Green Giant Fresh’ and Robinson Fresh promote a variety of recipes online, including avocado stuffed cherry tomatoes and avocado-corn salsa.”