Food and Beverage
Avocados From Mexico Reports Record 300 Million Pounds Imported Ahead of the 60th Big Game
Avocados From Mexico reports a record 300 million pounds of Mexican avocados imported to the U.S. in the four weeks leading up to the Big Game—helping keep guacamole and party spreads stocked all season.
Last Updated on February 11, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Avocados weren’t just on the menu for America’s biggest football Sunday — they were moving at historic volume.
Avocados From Mexico® says Mexican avocado imports to the U.S. surpassed 300 million pounds in the four weeks leading up to the 2026 pro football championship, marking the largest Big Game supply on record. According to the organization, that total is roughly 20% above historical averages for the same period — a signal of both surging demand and a supply chain built to perform when it matters most.
A record run-up to the biggest avocado day of the year
The Big Game is widely considered the single largest avocado consumption day in the U.S., driven by watch parties, snack spreads, and (of course) guacamole. Avocados From Mexico, which describes itself as the top-selling avocado brand in the country, said the record-setting four-week import performance helped retailers and foodservice operators stock up with promotable volume, preferred sizes, and consistent quality.
“Shipping more than 300 million pounds of avocados to our partners in the U.S. — and ultimately consumers — in just four weeks is remarkable and a powerful demonstration of what this industry can deliver when demand is at its peak,” said Alvaro Luque, CEO of Avocados From Mexico. He pointed to reliability and coordination across the full supply chain, from growers and packers to importers and retail partners.
Why avocado demand keeps climbing
Avocados From Mexico attributes a big share of category growth to younger consumers seeking nutrient-dense foods. The organization says this group has more than doubled avocado consumption over the past decade. Add in omnichannel marketing that ties avocados to gathering occasions, and you get a recipe for consistent demand spikes around major events.
Luque said the bigger story is confidence — not just for one Sunday, but for the rest of the season: customers can plan knowing Mexico can deliver the volume, quality, and size mix needed beyond the Big Game rush.
A 360-degree marketing push to move product at shelf
In the lead-up to the championship (played Feb. 8), Avocados From Mexico backed up supply with a fully integrated marketing campaign aimed at driving traffic, engagement, and movement at retail.
The brand’s “360-degree” approach included:
- Branded shopper materials
- Sweepstakes promotions
- A survey-backed “golden chip raffle”
- Owned and earned media tied to an AI-powered predictive platform designed to tap cultural trends and second-screen viewing behavior
The goal: keep avocados top-of-mind on game day while helping partners turn inventory into watch-party staples.
“Our customers should know Avocados From Mexico is fully equipped to provide the tools and resources to support the continued supply and demand for the remainder of this season,” said Stephanie Bazan, Senior VP of Commercial Strategy and Execution. She added that the brand plans to build on Big Game momentum with additional promotional programming tied to upcoming peak occasions.
Mexico’s year-round advantage
Avocados From Mexico emphasized that Mexico’s growing conditions and microclimates allow for year-round production at a scale that can meet U.S. demand. This season, the organization says favorable rainfall has helped increase supply and deliver preferred size mixes — a key detail for retailers planning ads and for foodservice operators managing portioning and presentation.
What’s next: awards season, wellness, and Cinco de Mayo
Looking beyond football, Avocados From Mexico says it will continue expanding avocado consumption occasions — both cultural and health-driven.
This spring, the brand plans to activate around red carpet and award-season gatherings, positioning guacamole as an at-home viewing “signature dish.” At the same time, it will scale its health and wellness platform in partnership with the American Diabetes Association, promoting avocados as a nutrient-dense, zero sugar food that fits into everyday lifestyles.
Those efforts are also designed to carry momentum into Cinco de Mayo, which the organization calls the second-largest avocado consumption occasion in the U.S.
What to Watch For
- Guac prices and promos: Watch weekly ads for avocado deals as stores keep the party-food momentum going.
- Size and ripeness options: More “ready-to-eat” and mixed-size bags could make last-minute guac easier.
- New party recipes: Expect more quick dips, avocado salsa, and sheet-pan nacho tie-ins beyond game day.
- Next big snack moments: Award-season watch parties and Cinco de Mayo are the next guac-heavy spikes.
- Health-forward snacking: More “better-for-you” messaging as avocados stay linked to nutrient-dense eating.
For more information, visit https://avocadosfrommexico.com.
Source: Avocados From Mexico (PRNewswire), Feb. 10, 2026
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Food and Beverage
5 Tips to Make Hosting Easy and Fun
From celebratory parties to casual get-togethers, hosting is a wonderful way to bring people together, share laughs and make memories. Of course, planning and hosting can be quite a bit of work, so a little preparation can go a long way to ensure an enjoyable time for everyone, including the host.
5 Tips to Make Hosting Easy and Fun
(Feature Impact) From celebratory parties to casual get-togethers, hosting is a wonderful way to bring people together, share laughs and make memories. Of course, planning and hosting can be quite a bit of work, so a little preparation can go a long way to ensure an enjoyable time for everyone, including the host.
Follow these tips from the hosting experts at Bravo, makers of eco-friendly, high-performance paper towels, to plan your next gathering so it goes off without a hitch.
Keep the Menu Simple
Naturally, you want to make sure your guests are well-fed and happy, but trying to achieve a Michelin-star rating in your home kitchen is usually just a recipe for stressing yourself out. If you’re serving a meal, stick to some tried-and-true crowd-pleasers you can make in your sleep. Cook or bake in advance as much as possible so you’ll have less to worry about on the day itself.
Let Guests Know What to Bring
Good houseguests often enjoy contributing something, so make it easy for them – and yourself – by letting them know how they can help. You could ask one person to bring snacks, another to pick up beverages and a third to cover dessert. Potluck-style lunches or dinners are a great way to make sure everyone has enough to eat and drink while taking the pressure off just one person’s shoulders.
Have a Backup Plan
In case you’re arranging an outdoor get-together, remember the weather can betray you. Keep alternative plans on standby in case you need to move the party indoors. Tidy up your living areas and ensure there is enough seating for everyone attending. It doesn’t hurt to have indoor-friendly entertainment options available too – often, people are content to just sit and chat with one another, but depending on the crowd, classic party games can still be a hit.
Set Up Kids’ Zones
If you’ll be welcoming children to your home, provide one or two dedicated areas where they can safely play and enjoy themselves away from the rest of the action. Having an assortment of toys, games, coloring books, chalk, bubble wands and other sources of kid-friendly fun makes it easy for the whole family to have a great time.
Make Prep and Cleanup a Breeze
Keeping quality cleaning supplies on hand like Bravo paper towels means you can quickly wipe up spills and messes while you’re prepping. Then, after your guests depart, the strong, absorbent sheets make it easy to get your countertops sparkling again. They’re made with 75% curbside recycled paper and cardboard, making them sustainable-household-approved. Use them with water or your go-to cleaning solution before enjoying some well-deserved post-hosting relaxation in your fresh, clean home.
“Hosting can put paper towels to work, from quick countertop wipes to stuck-on foods and bigger cleanup jobs,” said chef and lifestyle expert Jamie Gwen. “Bravo has a clothlike feel that is soft on your hands, but it is still durable enough for scrubbing and strong enough to rinse and reuse.”
Find more smart cleaning tips at BravoTowel.com.
SOURCE:
Bravo
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recipes
The Nutrient-Packed Fruit Families are Adding to Their Fruit Bowls
Busy families are looking for snacks that do more than simply satisfy hunger – they want foods that deliver great taste along with meaningful nutrition. Nutrient-Packed Fruit? For a fresh twist on breakfast, brunch or an afternoon snack, try this Kiwi and Whipped Feta Toast.
The Nutrient-Packed Fruit Families are Adding to Their Fruit Bowls
(Feature Impact) Busy families are looking for snacks that do more than simply satisfy hunger – they want foods that deliver great taste along with meaningful nutrition. That’s one reason kiwifruit has become one of the fastest-growing fruits in the produce department with more shoppers discovering its sweet taste and impressive nutritional benefits.
With its vibrant golden flesh, smooth skin and juicy tropical-sweet flavor, an option like Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit makes it easy to enjoy a snack that’s as delicious as it is nourishing. Whether packed into lunchboxes, sliced over breakfast or enjoyed straight from the fruit bowl, it’s a simple way to add more nutrition to everyday routines.
Why Every Bite Matters
Kiwifruit is one of the most nutrient-dense fruits available, making it an ideal choice for busy families looking to maximize nutrition with minimal effort. When time is tight, choosing foods that deliver whole food nutrition becomes essential.
Naturally packed with vitamins and minerals, Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit provides 100% of your daily vitamin C needs in just one fruit. They also provide potassium to support normal muscle and nerve function, vitamin E to help protect cells from everyday damage and folate to support healthy cell growth and development.
Sweet Flavor, Endless Possibilities
The versatility of sweet kiwifruit allows it to pair beautifully with everything from smoothies and yogurt bowls to salads, desserts and savory dishes.
For a fresh twist on breakfast, brunch or an afternoon snack, try this Kiwi and Whipped Feta Toast. Creamy whipped feta, ripe avocado and slices of sweet kiwi come together for a delicious balance of vitamins, minerals and vibrant flavor that’s as nourishing as it is satisfying.
Discover more delicious ways to get more nutrition from every bite, including recipes, at Zespri.com.
Kiwi and Whipped Feta Toast
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 8 small rustic bread slices, 3/4-inch thick, toasted
- 2 Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 firm but ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced
- extra-virgin olive oil
- fresh basil
- In small food processor, process crumbled feta cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth.
- Spread equal amounts onto bread slices and top with alternating slices of kiwi and avocado.
- Drizzle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with basil before serving.
Optional: Add 1 tablespoon tahini sauce to feta for richer flavor.
Variation: Omit avocado and use three kiwis. Sprinkle lightly with chopped Kalamata olives. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with snipped fresh oregano and crushed red pepper flakes.
SOURCE:
Zespri
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(Family Features) Whether you’re lounging by the pool or hitting the trails for a family hike or bike ride, exposure to summer heat can leave you feeling dehydrated and fatigued.
Comprised of nearly 90% water and delivering essential electrolytes like potassium and magnesium, 100% orange juice can serve as a healthy complement to your hydration routine. These electrolytes are crucial in helping to maintain fluid balance and muscle function regardless of the time of year, but they’re especially important during the warmer summer months when you are exerting more.
Consider these unexpected ways Florida Orange Juice can help power your summer.
Support Immunity
100% orange juice isn’t just a tasty drink; it’s also packed with essential nutrients that support your immune system. An 8-ounce glass of 100% orange juice is an excellent source of vitamin C, plus it provides key nutrients such as folate, potassium and thiamin, as well as vitamin D and calcium (in fortified juices), that help support the immune system all year long.
Add Healthy Flavor to Meals
Fat-free, cholesterol-free and sodium-free with no added sugar, 100% orange juice is a healthy addition to any diet, adding a burst of flavor to favorite dishes. Consider using Florida Orange Juice as part of the marinade in these Orange Juice Citrus Chicken Kebabs or as a base for salad dressings to create a perfect balance that will delight your taste buds.
Electrolyte and Hydration Support
With many kids participating in summer sports and other outdoor demands on families during the warmer months, it can be difficult to provide your family with healthy, hydrating beverages. However, an option like this On-the-Go Orange Juice Sports Drink helps to replenish carbohydrates and electrolytes during and after physical activity, such as running, biking, exercising or playing sports.
Find more nutritious and delicious recipes to keep your family energized during summer activities at FloridaJuice.com.
Orange Juice Citrus Chicken Kebabs
Recipe courtesy of Aaron Himrod on behalf of the Florida Department of Citrus
Servings: 8 (2 kebabs per serving)
- 1 large Florida Orange, zest only
- 1 lime, zest only
- 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- white pepper, to taste
- 1 cup Florida Orange Juice
- 1 cup lemon-lime soda
- 2 pounds chicken tenders
- 8 wooden skewers
- To make marinade: In medium mixing bowl, combine orange zest; lime zest; thyme; oil; garlic; salt; white pepper, to taste; orange juice; and soda.
- Add chicken and completely coat with marinade. Cover bowl and place in refrigerator at least 1 hour.
- Soak wooden skewers in water 20-30 minutes.
- To make kebabs: Remove chicken from fridge and lace through each skewer using weaving motion. Repeat for all chicken tenders and set aside.
- When skewers are prepared, drizzle extra marinade over chicken.
- Heat grill to medium. Place chicken on grill. Cover and cook 3 minutes per side, or until center of meat reaches internal temperature of 170 F.
- Remove from grill and serve immediately, or cover with foil and serve later.
Tips: Cover kebabs with foil for at least 20 minutes after cooking to trap in flavor and juices.
Add vegetables to kebabs, if desired, to increase flavor
On-the-Go Orange Juice Sports Drink
Recipe courtesy of the Florida Department of Citrus
Servings: 1
- 8 ounces Florida Orange Juice
- 8 ounces water
- 1 pinch salt
- Mix orange juice and water.
- Add pinch of salt.
- Pour into small bottle or reusable pouch.
SOURCE:
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