Avocados, beloved for their deliciousness and nutritional benefits, are a powerhouse of unsaturated fats and fiber that contribute to reduced cholesterol levels. The majority of U.S. avocado imports, over 95%, are of the Hass variety, which is anticipated to experience a 5.3% annual market growth until 2027. Notably, Hass avocados boast a higher oil content of around 18% compared to other types, resulting in a creamier texture that’s perfect for dishes like guacamole and avocado toast.
Today, Mexico holds a prominent position as the leading global player in avocado production and export, contributing a substantial 47.5% share of the world’s avocado exports, amounting to a remarkable value of $3.49 billion in 2022. Among these exports, more than one million tons of avocados found their way to the United States, as reported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Of the 57 avocado producing countries, the other major producers are Dominican Republic, Peru, Colombia, and Indonesia.
Mexico’s avocado production focuses primarily on three varieties: Hass, Criollo, and Fuerte. Hass avocados dominate the landscape, constituting 97% of the total production, while Criollo and Fuerte contribute to the remaining 3%. In terms of exports, a noteworthy 95% consists of whole, fresh avocados, while guacamole and pulp account for 4% and 2% respectively.
Efficient cross-border shipping of avocados from Mexico to the U.S. involves complex supply chains spanning vast distances. However, the lack of transparency hampers communication and visibility, leading to increased risks of damage, reduced shelf life, and financial losses. Furthermore, the high demand for avocados makes them susceptible to theft, particularly in the absence of traceability, resulting in potential losses in the market.
Accordingly, today’s blog article will outline crucial conditions for product quality and security, ensuring the protection and optimal freshness of these creamy delights.
Avocado Shipment Hazards
As the tasty fruit offers up its green gold, the transport process becomes a make-or-break moment, where improper handling could spell financial ruin. Imagine the disappointment of a perfectly ripe avocado turning into a mushy mess due to mishandling during transit. This underscores the importance of mastering the art of shipping to keep avocados at their freshest.
One critical factor lies in temperature. Maintaining the sweet spot between 40°F and 55°F is key, as avocados react sensitively to temperatures beyond this range. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) stands as a guiding sentinel in this endeavor, offering temperature recommendations that ensure avocados retain their pristine quality.
If it is too cold, the fruit can suffer chilling injury, the flesh of the fruit goes brown, the skin shows sunken spots. External chilling injury is generally initiated by temperatures of <3°C. If it is too hot, it can become overripe or contract anthracnose disease, which would make it unfit for human consumption.
Packing avocados unveils another layer of the cargo security puzzle. This process holds the power to make or mar their condition upon arrival. The practice of palletized shipping is essential as it improves handling and protection by mitigating the risks of damage. Using fiberboard boxes, it’s important not to pack the avocados too tightly or too loosely because both occurrences can cause bruising.
Ethylene, the unseen influencer in the world of fruits and vegetables, adds yet another layer of complexity. The presence of ethylene-producing produce like apples and grapes can accelerate the ripening process of avocados, requiring careful consideration in mixed cargo scenarios. With avocados and ethylene emitters sharing the same truck but not the same container, the delicate balance of ripening speed becomes an orchestration of logistics.
Layered Food Security & Condition Monitoring
In an ever-changing world, ensuring the safety of your produce shipments is of utmost importance. Our approach begins with a thorough assessment of the value, significance, and potential risks associated with each shipment’s route and delivery location. By doing so, we develop a strategic layered security game plan to effectively mitigate potential threats or losses from temperature and mishandling.
Securing the World
With a well-executed layered security plan in place, you can rest assured that your shipments will be effectively protected, monitored, and documented with our TrackSecure platform providing exception alerts throughout the entire journey. Combined with TydenBrooks’ proven ISO 17712 high security cable and bolt seals, you significantly reduce the vulnerability of attacks.
Our supply chain security teams believe in promoting cargo security awareness and fostering collaboration with your company’s stakeholders to create a robust cargo security policy. Together, let’s enhance your cargo security, ensuring your shipments reach their destinations safely and your business thrives with peace of mind.
