Tag: Grower-Feature

The Insider | Spring 2025 

Posted on by Index Fresh

Dear Growers, 

The 2025 California avocado season began with great momentum in mid-January, marking an earlier start than usual. Thanks to a short supply of 48s from Mexico during January, we were able to work together to bring California fruit to market just in time to meet the heightened demand during the Super Bowl period. 

Early harvesting primarily consisted of size picks, but the favorable market conditions also allowed growers the opportunity to conduct maintenance and anti-theft picks at competitive price levels. 

Looking ahead, California is poised for a strong crop this year, with volumes expected to be similar to the 2024 season. Last year’s final numbers reached 386 MM pounds across all varieties. For 2025, initial estimates project 355 MM pounds of Hass avocados, 11 MM pounds of Lamb Hass, 8 MM pounds of GEM, and 1 million pounds of other varieties such as Reeds and green skins. 

The U.S. avocado market is currently facing notable challenges. Mexican supply has fallen short of meeting regular weekly demand, and recent tariff uncertainties have further tightened availability. These factors have created robust demand for California fruit at premium prices over the past several weeks. 

With ongoing uncertainty surrounding Mexican supply, retail buyers are increasingly turning to alternative sources to meet their needs. California avocados stand out for their quality, consistency, and reliability—making them a top choice for buyers nationwide. 

GEM avocados are also generating excitement among retailers. Our newly launched California Crema GEM campaign has already sparked enthusiasm from both new buyers and long-standing GEM customers eager to expand their programs. Please coordinate closely with your field representative to ensure a smooth harvest process. 

We’re excited to welcome Agronomist Gerardo Aldunate to Index Fresh full-time this April! With extensive expertise in avocado cultivation, Gerardo will be a valuable resource for our growers and team. Contact Gerardo at galdunate@indexfresh.com to schedule an in-field consultation. 

The Fresh Facts mobile app has been revamped with a sleek design and enhanced features. Growers can now access two years of historical price trends alongside the latest price quote and market insights. We’re committed to delivering cutting-edge tools— reach out with suggestions for future updates. 

Finally, I’d like to personally invite all growers and members of the avocado community to join us at our Grower Appreciation Lunches this May. These casual gatherings are a wonderful opportunity to connect, enjoy great food, and discuss the upcoming season. The lunches will be held on: 

  • May 6th in San Luis Obispo, Wayfarer Hotel 
  • May 7th in Ventura, Brokaw Nursery Long Canyon Ranch 
  • May 9th in Temecula, Temecula Creek Inn 
Keith Blanchard

With appreciation, 
Keith Blanchard

Look Out for Lace Bugs! 

Posted on by indexfresh

Native to the southeastern United States, the avocado lace bug is a notable pest that causes damage to avocado trees. Its presence has been documented as far south as San Diego County and as far north as Ventura County. Here are some essential facts about this pest.

Lace Bugs

APPEARANCE: Eggs are laid in an irregular pattern, sometimes in loose rows, stuck to the lower leaf surface and are covered with irregular globules of a black, sticky, tar-like substance excreted by adults that may protect eggs from natural enemies. Eggs will appear like grains of black pepper. Adult avocado lace bugs are small, have clear, lacy wings (about 2mm long) with a single dark band on their bodies, yellow legs, and antennae. They are visible to the naked eye. 

LIFE CYCLE: Lace bugs are immobile most of the time. They feed on the underside of leaves, causing chlorotic blotches that can become necrotic. Severely damaged leaves may drop prematurely.

DAMAGE: Heavy lace bug feeding can lead to defoliation, sunburned fruit and wood, and stressed trees, potentially reducing yield. 

LOCATION: Lace bugs have been spotted in groves spanning from San Diego to Carpinteria. The lace bugs live in colonies on the lower surfaces of leaves, often with adults, eggs and nymphs together. 

OTHER HOSTS: Besides avocado trees, the lace bug also feeds on the camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora).

TIMING: Lace bug populations tend to build in July, peak around September, and decline to low densities from January through May. Because they are largely immobile, they tend to disappear as older leaves drop off and the new leaves emerge during the spring flush

MANAGEMENT: Management strategies may include restrictions on the movement of host plant materials, insecticide screening trials, and evaluation of natural enemy releases. 

NATURAL ENEMIES: Green lacewing larvae were historically identified as natural enemies of avocado lace bug. However, recently Erico Ferro, PCA, notes he has not observed natural enemies feeding on any of the different stages of lace bug (egg, nymphs or adults) including lacewing larvae. Predators may feed on them but should not be relied on to control a population. 

PESTICIDES: There are several pesticides that can kill lace bugs and are tolerated by green lacewing larvae. 

CONTROL: UC recommends various products to help control lace bugs. To learn more about how to control the pest, email info@indexfresh. com for UC’s management guidance and evidence-based recommendations from PCA Enrico Ferro.

Lace Bugs

Sources: 

https://cisr.ucr.edu/invasive-species/avocado-lace-bug https://ipm.ucanr.edu/agriculture/avocado/avocado-lace-bug/ https://veseris.com/default/resources/post/avocado-lace-bug https://ceventura.ucanr.edu/index4.cfm/%3Ca?blogtag=avocado+lace+bug&blogasset=109383 https://biocontrol.ucr.edu/avocado-lace-bug https://www.californiaavocadogrowers.com/sites/default/files/2023-11/Avocado-lace-bug.pdf https://biocontrol.ucr.edu/media/591/download https://ipm.ucanr.edu/agriculture/avocado/ https://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/avocado-lace-bug/pest-notes/

Index Fresh Launches California Crema™ Gem Avocados

Posted on by indexfresh

It’ll soon be the “time to shine” for avocados wearing the California Crema label offered exclusively by Index Fresh, a global avocado production, distribution, and marketing leader. Icons of the Golden State, California Crema Avocados are the GEM variety — gold-flecked, deliciously creamy, and in season annually between April and July, while supplies last. 

This season, avocado lovers will discover something extra special with California Crema. The unique offering is harvested by California farmers, packs tons of flavor and nutritional density, and pairs resilience with responsibility. Sold bagged and in bulk with eye-catching, innovative packaging, California Crema sets itself apart from other avocado options on the market.

“Feedback on GEMs has always been through-the-roof positive, so we are very bullish on their potential to wow nationwide,” said John Dmytriw, Index Fresh Vice President of Business Development. “They perform outstanding in taste tests and have distinctive qualities like gold-flecking and an easy-to-peel skin. The new California Crema brand draws consumers into this limited release offering, with stand-out marketing that educates and creates excitement around the GEM variety that we are proud to have helped put on the map.”

“Rich, creamy avocados are already staples of California cuisine and the go-to ingredient for restaurants and home chefs that want to deliver on exceptional flavor,” said Kellen Stailey Martin, Index Fresh Vice President of Marketing. “The market is ripe for a delicious new variety that sparks excitement and pays attention to the rising consumer demand for more environmentally mindful packaging. California Crema brings all these key elements to life and partners with farmers who have invested years in cultivating a promotable level for the 2025 crop.” 

GEM avocados are often associated with farming practices that strive to minimize their environmental impact, like growing on compact trees that have a more dense and efficient fruit set, producing more within a smaller footprint. The fruit grows inside the lush canopy where they are insulated from direct sun and more resilient to extreme weather. The California Crema program also harnesses sustainable initiatives through incorporating recyclable paper film, certified home-compostable PLUs and net bags, and biodegradable cartons into the product line. “We are excited that California Crema will elevate the GEM variety’s already beneficial farming practices with packaging designed to reduce the environmental footprint,” Stailey Martin notes.

Contact your Index Fresh Sales Representative for more information on the California Crema bulk and bag programs and visit CaliforniaCremaAvocados.com learn more.