Index Fresh Gem avocados ready for retail

Overview of avocados in the U.S. market, complemented by charts from Agronometrics. Original published on April 19, 2024.

Index Fresh kicked off its 2024 GEM season with an abundant crop poised to deliver quality and value to retailers and foodservice providers across North America. Gold-flecked GEM avocados will be available for a limited time from April to mid-July, presenting retailers the unique opportunity to merchandise both size and variety at shelf. In addition, Index Fresh has partnered with several California banners to bolster their locally grown programs and educate consumers on the buttery, nutty flavor profile and sustainable growing practices of the Californian GEM.

“Index Fresh is about giving our customers choices, so we always get excited when California GEMs are offered alongside Hass,” said Bobby Fingerlin, Index Fresh sales and business development team member. “We recently showcased two-count and three-count value-added GEM bags at the Viva Fresh Expo and received very positive feedback on the value and packaging that differentiates our GEMs at retail; our new label includes call outs on flavor, texture and their California origin.”

California is expected to produce over 5 million pounds of GEM in the 2024 season spanning from early spring to July, likely peaking in May. The dark-skinned GEMs are harvested with a clean uniformity that stands out at retail. Their characteristic creamy texture, outstanding eating quality and slightly nutty notes impresses selective taste buds. The fruit’s thicker skin has an advantage of being easier to peel, so scooping out all the creamy flesh for perfect salad slices or a generous bowl of guacamole is never a hassle.

Source: USDA Market News via Agronometrics.
(Agronometrics users can view this chart with live updates here)

Index Fresh pioneered the promotion of GEM avocados, advising growers on how to care for the trees, harvest their fruit and market it in a way that emphasizes the unique appeal. “GEM was selected as a standout fruit by researchers at University of California and has a very localized sustainability story. The fruit grows on smaller trees, allowing for a higher yield within a smaller footprint, which makes it a good choice for eco-conscious California growers and consumers. You know where the fruit came from, and that’s never too far away from home for shoppers in the Golden State,” said Keith Blanchard, Index Fresh field manager.

“Whether packaged in our Index Fresh bags or sold individually in 25-pound lugs, GEMs have performed well with consumers, and as a variety, continues to grow every year,” Fingerlin said. “When customers can choose their avocado from among a couple of different sizes or packs, they land on a choice that fits their needs and fully satisfies.”

The News in Charts is a collection of stories from the industry complemented by charts from Agronometrics to help better tell their story.

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