170 Million Pounds of Peruvian Avocados are expected to be imported into the United States this summer

Washington D.C., May 21, 2018 – As the world’s insatiable appetite for avocados continues to skyrocket, the Peruvian Avocado Commission (PAC) is thrilled to be kicking off it’s 2018 season with many exciting retail and consumer focused marketing initiatives. Beginning in June and in celebration of World Avocado Month, Avocados From Peru is the exclusive sponsor of various exciting activations in Washington D.C. during the World Cup and MLB All Star Games. It’s been over 35 years since Peru qualified for the World Cup and 50 years since the MLB All Star Game was hosted in the nation’s capital. Avocados From Peru will be present on air (they play Denmark June 16th and France June 21st), desktop, mobile and apps.

“Given the increased supply of Peruvian avocados this season, we will be focusing many of our marketing tactics around retail trade activity alongside supreme consumer tactics,” said Xavier Equihua, CEO and President of the Peruvian Avocado Commission. “Peru will export to the world 660 million pounds of avocados from the middle of April to mid-September, and 170 million pounds will come to the USA. We will be offering various strategic co-marketing opportunities from which retailers can specifically tailor their preferred programs. On the consumer side, we will continue to showcase the nutritional benefits and versatility of Peruvian avocados.”

This summer, consumers will have the opportunity to taste and see the versatility of both Peruvian Avocados and California Walnuts in a first ever superfood demo collaboration at Costco, Sam’s Club and Wal-Mart. The demos will be held nationwide across the United States and at various Costcos in Europe. The demos will begin on June 15th, just in time for Wal-Mart’s Wellness Day.

Avocados From Peru will also be renewing their partnership with CBS Radio and bringing back the fan-favorite Avo-Dog to baseball fans attending Orioles baseball games over Father’s Day weekend this summer. Fans will be able to enjoy a free topping of Peruvian Avocado with the purchase of any food item during the game in Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

Baltimore locals and tourists visiting the Maryland Zoo this summer will also have a chance to participate in “Peru at the Zoo”, the first ever activation by avocados at a zoo in the United States. In celebration of World Avocado Month and Independence Day animal lovers will receive free Peruvian avocados and ripening bags during their visit to the zoo.

Consumers in Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and other cities will also see the return of the signature #AvoBus. This year, AFP will be increasing the amount of public transportation buses wrapped in its iconic image, Machu Picchu. This initiative has received high engagement amongst consumers in previous years and is expected to lead to further excitement around America’s favorite summer avocado across all digital channels.

AFP’s 2018 strategic marketing program will also include increased trade and consumer advertising, retail incentive programs, high-profile partnerships and various social media tactics to further engage consumers.  AFP plans to break its 2017 record of 6,500 demos with the retail trade with over 8,000, a first in the category. A robust toolbox of retail activations is also available to retailers, including geo-targeted mobile ads, display bins, and ripening bags.

Consumer activation includes radio spots on popular stations including Spotify and Pandora to remind consumers of the heart-health benefits of Peruvian Avocados. AFP will run full-page ads in regional editions of Vogue, Vanity Fair and Women’s Health, communicating the health and beauty benefits of Peruvian Avocados. AFP will continue their collaboration with AFP’s global ambassador Fooddeco, by creating beautiful and delicious avocado recipes shared on the Peruvian Avocado website and social media channels.

AFP is thrilled to be kicking off the 2018 with a strong marketing program in which each initiative complements another. This program will strengthen AFP’s reputation as America’s favorite heart-healthy summer avocado amongst consumers and retailers nationwide. To learn more about Avocados From Peru, or for heart-healthy Peruvian Avocado recipes, visit: www.avocadosfromperu.com, or click here to download a free copy of the Avocados From Peru Cookbook.

About the Peruvian Avocado Commission

The Peruvian Avocado Commission (PAC) is headquartered in Washington, D.C. It was established in 2011 to increase the consumption/demand for Avocados from Peru through advertising, retail promotion and public relations. The PAC’s promotional activities are conducted under the guidelines of the federal promotion program for Hass avocados, which is under the oversight of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Detailed information regarding these programs will be announced throughout the season. Avocados from Peru will be available in the U.S. through September.

For more information about the PAC please visit www.avocadosfromperu.com or email info@avocadosfromperu.com

Media Contact:
Xavier Equihua, CEO and President

Peruvian Avocado Commission

(302) 547-3625

info@avocadosfromperu.com

 

Emily Nordee, PR Director

Evans Hardy + Young

enordee@ehy.com

805-963-5841 x 218

Avocados From Peru closes its most successful season yet by supplying enough avocados to the U.S. market to help surpass 2016 distribution levels

Washington, DC, October 9, 2017 –Due to this season’s avocado shortage in the U.S., Avocados from Peru (AFP) shipped a record 145 million pounds of Peruvian avocados to the U.S. in an extremely condensed window of time during the summer months. Thanks to AFP, the U.S.’s demand for avocados this 2017 season was met and in turn, AFP experienced one of its most successful seasons.

“The shortage in the U.S. avocado market this past summer provided AFP the opportunity to maximize our distribution,” said Jose Antonio Castro, AFP Chairman. “We were happy to meet the U.S.’s demand for avocados this season.”

As America’s favorite heart-healthy superfood, AFP boasts 20 essential vitamins and minerals, no sodium or cholesterol and are gluten free.

This season’s marketing initiatives included strategic partnerships with many top retailers. “We saw great success this season by partnering with major retail stores like Costco, Walmart and Sam’s Club,” said Xavier Equihua, President & CEO of the Peruvian Avocado Commission. “Collectively we executed an unprecedented 6,000 Peruvian avocado demos at these large retail outlets between June and August this season. This initiative played a crucial role in reaching consumers nationwide.”

Peruvian Avocado in Walmart’s Wellness Day 2017:

AFP was selected by Walmart to be the first in the avocado category to be a part of its 2017 Wellness Day. Walmart’s Wellness Day is considered to be the largest health fair in the world and is held on the same day in June every year in over 4,500 Walmart stores. AFP served thousands of Walmart shoppers its signature Avocado & Blueberry Smoothie on Wellness Day.

Highlights of the 2017 Season Include:

• A kick-off July 4th event where APF treated baseball fans to a free topping of fresh Peruvian Avocado with the purchase of an Oriole dog during the Baltimore Orioles vs. Tampa Bay Rays game in Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Avo-Dog is quickly becoming a baseball fan favorite!
• AFP took over the bus wraps of several American cities including our nation’s capital, Washington D.C.
• A morning TV show segment on the top rated news broadcasting station in Baltimore, NBC’s WBAL News Channel 11. The segment featured several summer Peruvian Avocado dishes prepared and presented by the chefs and global ambassadors for AFP, the Peruvian Brothers
• AFP co-sponsored a festival at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C, along with the Embassy of Peru, titled “Kaypi Peru,” (“This is Peru”), highlighting the South American nation’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. AFP created unique dishes for the event including Peruvian avocado truffles, avocado oatmeal cookies, avocado and bison sliders, and a multi-flavored avocado gelateria.
• AFP featured ‘Fresh Summer Recipes’ on the nationally syndicated morning TV show, “All About Summer” generating 2.5 million impressions nationwide.
• AFP was pleased to participate in Apeel Sciences™ product trial earlier this year. Apeel Sciences™ develops plant-based technologies that protect crops and harvested produce. AFP supports their mission to eliminate food spoilage and reduce reliance on chemicals in the agriculture industry. The trial revealed that Apeel Sciences™ technologies add multiple days of additional marketable lifespan to Peruvian avocados.

AFP’s 2017 End-of-Season meeting will be held in New Orleans, LA on October 19^th, 2017 (one day prior to the PMA’s Fresh Summit). The featured guests include Dr. James Rogers, Ph.D. from Apeel Sciences™ and Dr. Debasish Bandyopadhyay, Ph.D. from the University of Texas. Dr. Rogers will present his company’s signature plant-based technologies that have been tested and proven to prolong avocado shelve life. Dr. Debasish Bandyopadhyay will present his scientific findings regarding avocado seed husk oil. His research shows that behenyl alcohol, an important ingredient used in anti-viral medications, heptacosane, which may inhibit the growth of tumor cells, and dodecanoic acid, which increases high density lipoprotein (known as HDL) are all present in avocado seed husk oil. As a result, avocado seed husk oil may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and other diseases.

“We are thrilled that Dr. Bandyopadhyay will present before our association the findings of this important study,” said Mr. Daniel Bustamante, AFP Marketing Committee Chairman & Director. “This groundbreaking study was first presented two months ago during the American Chemical Society (ACS) Annual Meeting. The ACS is the world’s largest scientific society.”

The marketing efforts of AFP reflect the organization’s commitment to supplying the U.S. with top-quality fruit during the summer season. Peru has been named South America’s Leading Culinary Destination by the World Travel Awards. AFP, Peru’s most popular superfood, are looking forward to an exciting season ahead!

For additional photos of the 2017 Peruvian Avocado Commission season, please visit: https://avocadosfromperu.com/2017-season-recap/

 

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ABOUT THE PERUVIAN AVOCADO COMMISSION

The Peruvian Avocado Commission (PAC) is headquartered in Washington, D.C. It was established in 2011 to increase the consumption/demand for Avocados from Peru through advertising, retail promotion and public relations. The PAC’s promotional activities are conducted under the guidelines of the Federal Promotion Program for Hass Avocados, which is under the oversight of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

 

For more information about the PAC please visit www.avocadosfromperu.com or email info@avocadosfromperu.com

150 Million Pounds of Avocados from Peru are expected to be imported into the United States this summer

Washington D.C., June 1, 2017 — The Peruvian Avocado Commission (PAC) is gearing up for the most successful season to-date! Following the FDA’s confirmation that avocados are a heart-healthy superfood, in May, Avocados from Peru received the healthy Heart-Check mark from the American Heart Association. With heart disease being a leading cause of death in both women and men in the U.S., the valuable Heart-Check mark has served as a trusted resource for consumers. By including the heart-check mark in AFP’s marketing efforts it will help to promote the nutritional benefits of avocados, and to educate consumers about healthy dietary fats.

“As the new chairman of the Peruvian Avocado Commission, I am extremely pleased with the recent developments and positive focus on the nutrition attributes of Hass avocados. PAC has been a leading advocate for these measures and will continue paving the path during the new season within the health and beauty industry to showcase how avocados can benefit overall health and wellness for the body!” said Jose Antonio Castro, Chairman of PAC.

Starting in early June, PAC will deliver Summer fresh Avocados from Peru to retailers nationwide. Peruvian avocados have their peak season during the summer months and this year, over 150 million pounds of Peruvian avocados are projected to be imported into the United States from June to September.

“With avocados being America’s favorite superfood, we expect the consumption of avocados to continue rising this summer, which is great because this is our largest crop to-date,” said Xavier Equihua, CEO and President of PAC. “Our primary goal this season is to supply the U.S. with top-quality fruit during the peak summer season, and to educate the public about the wonderful health benefits of Peruvian Avocados.”

In addition to showcasing the beneficial nutrients that occur naturally in Avocados from Peru, the commission plans to partner with other Peruvian superfoods like blueberries, quinoa and asparagus to create synergistic promotional campaigns.

Kicking-off the season with a splash, Avocados from Peru (AFP) will partner with Walmart stores to participate in their annual Wellness Day on Saturday, June 17. Over 800 stores will feature and demo a superfood rich avocado and blueberry smoothie, made with fresh Avocados from Peru, blueberries, banana, spinach leaves, almond milk and Greek yogurt. Walmart will continue to demo delicious AFP recipes throughout the summer including a refreshing avocado peach crostini. To help promote demo days and help drive store traffic, AFP has created a targeted Geo-Fencing mobile program that will activate within 5 miles around key stores.  Additionally, demos will also be taking place at Costco stores throughout the summer.

Also launching the summer season, AFP will run a promotion with CBS Radio and feature the Avo-Dog at the Baltimore Orioles stadium during 4th of July week. Fans can enjoy avocado themed food while cheering on their favorite team this summer.

AFP’s 2017 robust marketing program introduces an experiential three-month long campaign that includes high-profile partnerships; increased trade and consumer advertising; an expanded menu of retailer support and incentive programs; and more opportunities to engage directly with consumers through social media initiatives.

TRADE SUPPORT

With increased marketing support and a large volume of fresh avocados imported from Peru, PAC is, once again, offering produce managers a greater variety of tools to merchandise the popular summer fruit.

Co-branded newspaper ads and bus wraps.

Bins with bold graphics featuring the signature AFP Machu Picchu brand image.

Funding for IRC’s.

Funding for demos taking place during the summer including the week leading up to the important Fourth of July holiday.

New complimentary content for social media.

CONSUMER TACTICS

This year AFP is launching a strong consumer outreach program, highlights include:

In a first for the category, AFP will run retailer co-branded ads in Vogue, Vanity Fair and Women’s Health, communicating that Avocados from Peru are a key part of a health and beauty regimen.

A re-launch of the digital AFP cookbook with mouth-watering recipes designed to promote delicious ways to enjoy avocados from Peru.

Radio spots throughout the summer in key cities, reminding consumers that

Avocados from Peru will add the certified heart-healthy check mark by the American Heart Association to all marketing elements.

Radio stations will run contests around Father’s Day and July 4th asking listeners to send in their best Avocados from Peru summer picnic and grilling recipes, with the winners receiving AFP prize packages.

A continued partnership with AFP’s Global Ambassadors. AFP will partner with leading chefs, the President of Peru, and Peruvian Trade Commission, including a co-sponsorship with PromPeru of an event at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington DC.

Digital advertising featuring a series of videos highlighting Peru as “the land of superfoods”.

Next installment of the collaboration with AFP’s global ambassador Fooddeco, with new themed series’ and recipes.

Consumers in select cities may also see buses wrapped as a larger-than-life full-color billboard featuring the picturesque landscape of Peru and of course, delicious Avocados from Peru.

All 2017 AFP marketing promotions will be supported by a strategic and engaging social media campaign. Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter will provide the growing PAC fan base with inspirational reasons to select avocados from Peru including new recipes, photographs and opportunities to share cool avo-tips.  Additionally, AFP’s evolving website, providing engaging and informative content along with AVOMAG, will be constantly updated to help keep avocados top of mind during season.

The exciting line-up for the 2017 initiatives, each complementing each other, will continue to strengthen AFP’s position as the peak summer avocado for consumers and retailers across the country. To find more information about Avocados from Peru, or for heart-healthy Peruvian Avocado recipes, visit: www.avocadosfromperu.com, or click here to download a free copy of the Avocados from Peru Cookbook.

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About the Peruvian Avocado Commission

The Peruvian Avocado Commission (PAC) is headquartered in Washington, D.C. It was established in 2011 to increase the consumption/demand for Avocados from Peru through advertising, retail promotion and public relations. The PAC’s promotional activities are conducted under the guidelines of the Federal Promotion Program for Hass Avocados, which is under the oversight of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

For more information about the PAC please visit www.avocadosfromperu.com or email info@avocadosfromperu.com.

 

Avocados from Peru Closes Successful 2016 Export Season

After an active and prosperous 2016, Avocados from Peru looks forward to 2017

Washington, D.C., October 17, 2016 – Avocados from Peru is pleased to announce the close of a successful 2016 export season that saw continued growth in demand for Peruvian avocados, the launch of both the world’s first international superfoods brand and a new worldwide cooperative marketing initiative, and official recognition of avocados’ health benefits from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“We are extremely excited by the success that Avocados from Peru saw during the world-wide 2016 season,” said Xavier Equihua, President and CEO of the Peruvian Avocado Commission. “We hope to build off of our momentum from 2016, especially in continuing to spread news regarding the health benefits of Peruvian avocados through the new Superfoods from Peru brand, and look forward to a more robust crop and marketing season in 2017.”

In addition to its successful export growth, Avocados from Peru joined together with Blueberries from Peru to form the first international superfoods brand – Superfoods from Peru. Launched during the 5thannual Peru to the World Expo in New York City, which was attended by Guest of Honor Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, the new brand will work to promote the health benefits of Peruvian superfoods – a plethora of products such as avocados, blueberries, pomegranates, and many others – and continue the growth of superfood markets around the world.

Avocados from Peru was also a proponent for the creation of the World Avocado Organization – a partnership between Brazil, Mexico, Peru, South Africa, and the United States. This new non-profit marketing enterprise will work to enhance existing avocado markets in order to raise awareness regarding the benefits of avocados in emerging health conscious markets such as the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Asia.

Capping off the 2016 launch of the Superfoods from Peru brand, the FDA announced new guidelines that allow manufacturers to categorize foods containing certain good fats as “healthy” – thereby officially recognizing the benefits of monosaturated fats that have long made avocados a go-to nutritional source for health conscious consumers.

Avocados from Peru remains committed to supplying the United States with top-quality fruit and is excited to exceed the 2016 season by dramatically increasing its export to the US market in 2017.

2016 Season Highlights:

• 2016 Season Kick-Off Event: Service men and women onboard the USS Bataan in New York City, were served a superfood breakfast during Fleet Week during Memorial Day weekend.
• The 5th Annual Peru to the World Expo: Headlined by Guest of Honor Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, this celebration of Peruvian culture and culinary expertise also served as the launch event for the newly created international “Superfoods from Peru” brand which brings together Avocados from Peru and Blueberries from Peru under a unified banner.
• Avocados from Peru received a Decoration of Merit: On June 21st, the Peruvian government recognized Avocados from Peru for its work to promote and advance done Peruvian agricultural trade.  USDA was also recognized for its work in fortifying U.S.-Peru agricultural trade.
• FDA Issued Revised Guidelines for ‘Healthy’ Categorization: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration updated guidelines for manufacturers wishing to categorize their foods as ‘healthy’, stating that certain good fats now fall within this categorization. As such, avocados, which are high in monosaturated fats, can be officially marketed for the health benefits they have long provided.
• The World Avocado Organization was Established: A partnership between Brazil, Mexico, Peru, South Africa, and the United States that will work to enhance existing avocado markets and promote the development of new health conscious markets around the globe.

 

About the Peruvian Avocado Commission:

The Peruvian Avocado Commission (PAC) is headquartered in Washington, D.C. It was established in 2011 to increase the consumption/demand for Avocados from Peru through advertising, retail promotion and public relations. The PAC’s promotional activities are conducted under the guidelines of the Federal Promotion Program for Hass Avocados, which is under the oversight of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

For more information about the PAC please visit www.avocadosfromperu.com or email info@avocadosfromperu.com or call 202 607-0560.

 

Media Contact: