Price Of Avocado Dips In Time For National Avocado Day

After a prolonged upward trend, avocado prices have finally begun to drop -- just in time for National Avocado Day Wednesday.

According to the latest United States Department of Agriculture weekly report, the average price for a Hass avocado in the Midwest is now $1.52, a 33% drop from over $2 just last week.

This time last year, it was under $1.

Kroger Central Division Spokesperson Eric Holverson says several factors, including extreme heat and wildfires in avocado-growing areas, are behind the changes in price.

“Growing patterns with avocados tend to be strong one year and then down the next,” says Holverson. “And the Keto diet has people asking for avocados and other healthy fats enough that that has affected the demand for avocados.”

While the price fluctuations have affected consumer retail demand, they have also caused some Indiana restaurants to adjust their prices for avocado dishes, or remove them from the menu all together.

However, Patachou spokesperson Maddy Barnas says changes in prices are nothing new and their experience with local produce suppliers has helped them to navigate the recent price volatility in avocados.

“In this business in general, prices for things and the demand fluctuate all the time,” says Barnas. “It just kind of ebbs and flows so we’re always prepared.”

Barnas says Patachou has not changed the menu price of any of their items because of the changes in avocado price.