Consumption of avocados has risen nearly 4 times since the year 2000, fueled by a growing demand. However, they are now on the decline.
In 2019, avocados sourced from Mexico had wholesale prices 129% greater than the year before. For example, a Texan restaurant reported an almost 300% increase in the price of a crate of avocados, from $36 to $100. This is an issue, as Mexico is the largest importer of avocados to the US, with 90% of all avocados and almost 13 billion dollars in 2018.
The reason for this spike is most likely an increase in demand or increased tariffs on Mexico set by Donald Trump. More and more people in the US are consuming avocados on the daily, as it's a fairly healthy food (we stan avocado toast). There isn't really a replacement for sliced avocados (it's quite the unique food), but some restaurants have found ways to introduce artificial guacamole. This substitute allows them to continue serving "guacamole", but unmashed avocados are no longer available for the majority of restaurants.
Like all things, the avocado shortage will inevitably pass in the future, and we will once again be blessed with the heavenly green fruit. However, until that time comes, all we can do is wait.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/food/2019/07/11/avocado-prices-why-avocado-prices-have-been-increasing/1677876001/
https://www.insider.com/avocado-shortages-rising-prices-may-ruin-millennials-favorite-food-2019-7
How do we know that the avocado shortage is going to fix itself? If the demand for avocados continues to increase, then the shortage may get worse. It's interesting reading that restaurants are using a substitute for avocados, I had no idea. I wonder if the substitute has the same texture and nutrients as a regular avocado and if it does, do restaurants have to specify that the ingredient is not an avocado?
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