Florida avocado growers are predicting for the new season volume similar are slightly above a year ago as they gear up for the 2024-25 harvest.
The Avocado Administrative Committee of Florida estimate final production totals for the 2023-24 season will total 21,235 metric tons, down 6.6% from the 2022-23 season.
Florida’s avocado season typically runs from June through December, with some available in January, said Peter Leifermann, vice president of sales and marketing for Homestead, Fla.-based Brooks Tropicals.
Brooks Tropicals of Homestead, FL begins harvest this week and expects a good crop.
The offseason has been abnormally dry and hot, but no wind damage has occurred and this should result in excellent quality.
Brooks Tropicals grows about 30 different varieties of tropical avocados in about 1,200 acres of groves.
J&C Tropicals of Doral, FLexpects to start harvesting around the Fourth of July, which would be a normal start. The company also expects great quality for this season.
J&C Tropicals sources green-skin avocados from a number of local farmers and will have Florida avocados until January.
New Limeco of Homestead, FL expects to be shipping avocados through March. It grows several varieties of green-skin avocados in Florida.
Florida growers say they produce a distinctive avocado, with the primary difference between Florida avocados and avocados from California or Mexico is the fat content.
Florida avocados have about 3 grams compared to 4.6 grams of fat for hass avocados.
The size, taste and productivity also are different.
The average Florida avocado weighs over 1 pound per piece and has a milder taste than other avocados.