Avocados From Mexico Celebrates 20 Years in United States

Last night, Avocados From Mexico (a not-for-profit organization whose charter is to build the Avocados From Mexico brand and drive U.S. demand for avocados) hosted a celebration like only one of America's favorite fruits could with a fiesta at the Mexican Cultural Institute featuring the exclusive premiere of the Avocados From Mexico docu-series, "Avocadoland," authentic Mexican cuisine and drinks crafted by PBS' chef, Pati Jinich, a panel discussion hosted by POLITICO and conversation with Ramon Paz-Vega, strategic advisor to the Association of Producers and Packers Exporters of Avocado in Mexico.

The U.S. first began importing Mexican avocados in 1997 as part of the North American Free Trade Agreement, enacted January 1, 1994. Twenty years later, the delicious fruit has enjoyed a spectacular rise in U.S. popularity, going from an exotic "extra," to a delicious and nutritious staple regularly consumed in more than 50 percent of U.S. households.

"We've seen a meteoric surge in the popularity of Avocados From Mexico during the last 20 years," said Alvaro Luque, president of Avocados From Mexico. "In 1997, Mexico began shipping avocados to the United States, and by 2016, 76% of the more than 2.2 billion pounds of avocados in the US were Mexican avocados," added Luque. "With that kind of popularity, we thought a celebration was definitely in order."

Supplier of 8-in-10 Avocados in the U.S.
In 2016, there was more than 2.2 billion pounds of avocados in the U.S., and 1.7 billion pounds came from the Michoacn region of Mexico. This "Avocadoland" is the heart of Avocados From Mexico, with more than 19,000 producers and 49 packaging corporations working to support the industry. Michoacn is the only area in the world able to grow avocados year-round and able to keep pace with America's love affair with the avocado supplying 8 in 10 of all avocados consumed in the U.S.

The Future of Food in a Global Economy
The POLITICO panel discussion, The Future of Food in a Global Economy, was moderated by Helena Bottemiller-Evich and Jenny Hopkinson of POLITICO and included panelists Kathleen Merrigan, Executive Director of Sustainability, George Washington University, former Deputy Secretary at the Department of Agriculture; Amb. Darci Vetter, Diplomat in Residence at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, former U.S. Chief Agricultural Negotiator; Karil Kochenderfer, Principal at Linkages; and Dr. Francisco Javier Trujillo Arriaga, General Director of Plant Health, National Service of Agrifood Health, Safety, and Quality for the United Mexican States.

Association of Producers and Packers Exporters of Avocado in Mexico POV
Immediately following the POLITICO panel, Ramon Paz-Vega, took the stage to discuss some of the effects Avocados From Mexico have had on the US economy, including, "the creation of almost 19,000 American jobs in the U.S., which means $1.2 billion in labor income," said Paz-Vega. "The trade of Mexican avocados also contributes an economic output of $3.5 billion to the U.S. economy, out of which, $2.2 billion is added to the gross domestic product," he noted.

Avocadoland
Avocadoland, a three part docu-series produced by Avocados From Mexico, captures the journey Mexican Avocados take as they make their way from the family owned-and-operated farms of Michoacn to the tables of US consumers in 3-5 business days. To view the films, Avocado fans can visit Avocadoland.com.

About Avocados From Mexico
Avocados From Mexico (AFM) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association (MHAIA), formed for the purpose of advertising, promotion, public relations and research for all stakeholders of Avocados From Mexico. Under agreements, MHAIA and the Mexican Avocado Producers & Packers (APEAM A.C.) have combined resources to fund and manage AFM, with the intent to provide a focused, highly effective and efficient marketing program in the United States. AFM is headquartered in Irving, TX.

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