Hass avocados took a top growth spot among U.S. fruit categories in what the Hass Avocado Board has described as a banner year for the commodity.

The category grew 31% compared to the previous year during a 13-week period that ended Dec. 2, 2012.  The increase compares to just 6% growth for the total fruit category. The recorded growth places avocados in the number two spot for fruits with over 75 million pounds in volume. In the top spot, pineapples grew 35%.

During the four weeks prior to Dec. 2, 2012, four U.S. markets tracked by the board grew by over 50%. Philadelphia took the top growth spot at 56%, compared to average national growth of 20%.

Over the previous year, New York grew by an impressive 71% and five other markets grew 50%.

A three-year rolling index of avocado dollar sales shows double-digit gains for all eight observed U.S. regions and for the nation overall. For 2012, total U.S. sales were 18% higher than average. The Midsouth grew the greatest with sales 32% higher than average.

www.freshfruitportal.com