A 22-pound box of Hass avocados from the state of Michoacan, Mexico’s largest producer, costs 530 pesos ($27.89), according to the government. Avocado prices have skyrocketed thanks to the combination of increasing consumer demand and reduced yields. A grower's strike in Mexico is also putting a strain on supplies of the fruit, with 82% of avocados imported to the US coming from its southern neighbour. California produces the remainder of the US avocado supply, but drought conditions are likely to put a 44% damper on yields this year, according to the state's Avocado Commission. The price hike has been blamed for driving up food prices, which rose by more than 10% last year as consumers cut back on discretionary spending.
Avocado prices have skyrocketed thanks to the combination of increasing consumer demand and reduced yields. A grower's strike in Mexico is also putting a strain on supplies of the fruit, with 82% of avocados imported to the US coming from its southern neighbour. California produces the remainder of the US avocado supply, but drought conditions are likely to put a 44% damper on yields this year, according to the state's Avocado Commission. The price hike has been blamed for driving up food prices, which rose by more than 10% last year as consumers cut back on discretionary spending.