U.S. avocado production 2020, by state

Most of the avocados produced in the United States are grown in California. In 2020, around 188 thousand tons of avocados were grown and harvested in the Golden State.

Avocados in California

Avocados originate in Mexico and were domesticated as early as 550 BC. However, the variety of avocado most commonly found in the United States is the Hass avocado, which was developed in the late 1920s in California. Though they are not native to California, the history of the avocado is very closely tied to that state. In 2018, California also had the highest dollar sales of avocados of any U.S. state.

Why buy avocados?

There is a lot to love about avocados, not only are they delicious, but they are also very rich in nutrients. When Americans were asked about their main drivers for buying avocados, the most common responses were that avocados were healthy, or that they contain “good” fats. Taste was the third most popular reason for buying avocados. However, avocados are often more expensive than other produce, and they are often described as being too perishable, which are some of the main reasons U.S. consumers choose not to buy avocados.