California Avocado Commission

HAND GROWN IN CALIFORNIA

Campaign Highlights Grower-Operator Relationships

 

In the third iteration of CAC’s California Avocado Grower Campaign the California Avocado Commission’s foodservice ads describe the strong bonds that connect nearly 5,000 California Avocado growers with their restaurant industry customers.

Warren and Andy Lyall are dedicated, third- and fourth-generation family farmers, taking care of the land and growing consistent, flavorful, Fresh Hand Grown in California Avocados. Gordon Kimball takes great pride in delivering wholesome, quality Fresh California Avocados to satisfied customers, so diners can enjoy every slice. Shawn and John Martin regard themselves as stewards of the land. They’ve transformed rugged terrain into a flourishing avocado grove producing California Avocados.

The California Avocado industry’s commitment to supporting individual growers and healthy, viable groves is reflected by independent, chain and onsite operator relationships with Fresh California Avocado growers to make farm-to-table dining an everyday reality.

California Avocado Grower Ad Campaign

 

 Put Fresh California Avocado Versatility to Work for You

Start with a nutty, subtle flavor, add a rich, smooth texture, then top it off with popular appeal, and you’ve summed up the menu value of Fresh California Avocados. And there’s so much more! California Avocados offer chefs an impressively versatile ingredient. When it comes to enhancing the flavor, color and customer appeal of a dish, California Avocados work 24/7 across all foodservice segments.

Applications for All Meal Parts/Day Parts

Take a look at the wide-ranging variety of fresh avocado menu items that generate a buzz on menus.

 

Smoky Grilled Caesar Salad with California Avocado

 

 

 Tempura California Avocado with Jalapeño Lime Aioli

 

Fresh California Avocados Go Global

 

Kale Salad with California Avocado

 

 

California Avocado Torta

 

Turn Up the Flame: Avocados Can Take the Heat

A favorite ingredient for salads and appetizers, smoothies, cold soups and dips, chefs expect Fresh California Avocados to perform flawlessly chilled or at room temperature. But, serve avocados hot?

• For best results, use “breaking” or nearly ripe fruit, for grilling

• Available spring through fall fire up your menu with Fresh California Avocados when creativity strikes

• When applying direct heat (broiler or pizza oven) to fresh avocados, coat fruit first with batters, toppings or sauces to prevent discoloration

• Treat avocados like other tender fruits and vegetables. Cook time is short, and the fruit should be checked frequently. In baked or sautéed dishes, fold in the avocado shortly before serving (up to 30 minutes)

• Fresh California Avocados add a pleasing new dimension to menu standards like fried appetizers, soups, hot sandwiches, pizzas, pastas, stir-fries and sauces

• A garnish of sautéed fresh avocados complements a multitude of dishes, as well as boosting customer interest

To get you started, we’re offering the following suggestion:

 

 Crispy Fried Oyster Appetizer with California Avocados

 

Classic to Contemporary – Avocados Evolve with Menus

 

Coconut-California Avocado Ceviche

Pioneering California restaurateurs created signature dishes like the Cobb Salad and Seafood Louie to introduce diners to this glorious new fruit. When the public discovered guacamole, the avocado rocketed from curiosity to menu mainstay.

Whether setting or riding the wave of new menu trends, chefs reach for fresh avocados to create unique and distinctive versions of popular ethnic foods (think sushi, egg rolls and ceviches), updated street foods (Cuban sandwiches and Paninis), salsas and relishes, entrees and salads. With characteristic cool, fresh avocado also tames the heat and spice of Latin American, Caribbean, Indian and Asian dishes. The timeless and harmonious partnering of avocado and shellfish is demonstrated in the popularity of items featuring them tossed, stacked or mixed together. Avocado crab cakes anyone?

Note: Find recipes for most dishes reference above – and more at CaliforniaAvocado.com/Foodservice

How to Choose the Right Avocado – Usage Tips and Product Information

High standards for quality and consistency make California Avocados a reliable choice for foodservice. Pre-conditioning by California Avocado packers  helps stabilize menu availability and allows operators flexibility when ordering.

Fresh California Avocado product information:

• Packs and Counts
• Availability
• Ripening
• Avocado Handlers

Cut Fruit Storage Tip: To preserve a cut avocado’s color and appeal, spray, brush, or dip exposed surfaces with lemon juice (slightly acid) or milk (neutral). Seal by placing the plastic wrap or foil directly on the cut surface. Cut Seed and Scoop chart.

Maximizing Avocado Potential with Promotion Partnerships

Avocado was mentioned on 851 menu items in 2012, a 53.1% increase versus 2009 (Source: 2012 Avocado Menu Trak). From all indications, chain operators are recognizing that fresh avocados add both value and appeal to new dishes.

The California Avocado Commission maintains an active foodservice menu promotion program for introductions, limited time offers and specials. The Commission also offers customized menu development services to create dishes that fit operational menu profiles, kitchen capacity and pricing guidelines.

Check out some of our ongoing or recently completed promotions:

 

 

 

How to Keep Fresh California Avocados at Your Fingertips

There’s no need to look further for timely and targeted fresh avocado information. Check outCaliforniaAvocado.com/Foodservice, where a click will access menu tips and innovative fresh avocado recipes, along with merchandising materials. Or, if you prefer a “hands on” approach to product education, CAC organizes grove and packing house tours for marketing and culinary decision-makers. For more information on operator grove tours, contact Peggy McCormick at mmmmkt@aol.com.

For current stats at an easy glance go to: CaliforniaAvocado.com/tree-to-plate

Foodservice buyers can research industry practices and retrieve updates on the Fresh California Avocado crop size, condition and delivery on the grower pages of CaliforniaAvocadoGrowers.com.