Look for California.

Look for Organic.

California grown organic avocados: fresh from the grove to your grocer.

Why California Grown Organic

How to Spot California Grown Organic Avocados

Three quick checks on the sticker or label before you buy.

01 Look for “California”

Every avocado should show where it was grown on its sticker or label. Look for “California.”³

02 Check the Sticker Code

Produce stickers carry a PLU code. Organic produce uses a five-digit code that starts with 9, placed in front of the conventional four-digit code.⁵

03 Find the USDA Organic Seal

Certified organic produce can carry the USDA Organic seal once its label is approved by a USDA-accredited certifying agent.⁶

When to Look for California Grown Organic Avocados

California avocado season generally runs spring through summer. Groves in Southern California come on first, sometimes as early as winter, while Central Coast groves come online later, as spring progresses.⁸


The season window is limited. Outside it, the organic avocados in stores are often grown in other countries, so the label matters even more. If you can’t find California grown organic avocados, ask the produce staff whether they carry them, or check back in spring.³ ⁸

Why Choose California Grown Organic Avocados

Delicious and nutritious California grown organic avocados, grown locally and farmed sustainably.

Locally Grown

California grown organic avocados are grown close to home, meaning California’s premium organic avocados can go from grove to grocer in just a matter of days. Shorter distances reduce carbon emissions from transportation and mean less chance for damage in transit.

Responsibly Grown

California grown organic avocados are ethically sourced, meaning they are grown responsibly and with integrity. For California grown organic avocados, ethical sourcing includes safeguarding the well-being of workers, the environment and the community.

Picked at Their Peak

Locally grown California organic avocados are picked at their peak, resulting in fruit that is consistent in taste and texture.

The Best Organic Avocados Have California in Them

Inside every California grown organic avocado is a story that is shaped by idyllic conditions, full of rich soil, gentle rain and friendly California sunshine where organic avocados flourish.


The Hass avocado is a California native. The Hass variety was discovered in La Habra Heights, California in the 1920’s by Rudolph Hass. Every Hass avocado eaten worldwide can trace its lineage to the Mother Hass Tree.

California Grown Organic Avocados by the Numbers

Organic is a small slice of California’s avocado harvest, which is why the label matters.

8–10%

Typical share of California’s avocado crop grown organically ¹ ²

3 years

Organic land must be free of prohibited substances before harvest ⁷

USDA + CDFA

The two certifications a California grower needs to sell avocados as organic ⁴

Why Look for California and Organic

The organic share shifts from year to year. One industry estimate put the 2026 share closer to 5%, citing lower organic production in northern counties and high water costs that led some southern growers to remove underperforming groves.²


When California supply is short, retailers often carry organic avocados grown in other countries. Checking the label is the only way to know you’re buying California grown organic.³

What “Organic” Means

Federal organic rules apply to avocados as they do to every organic crop. Beyond the three-year rule, organic fields need defined boundaries and buffer zones to prevent contact with prohibited substances used on neighboring land.⁷


Organic products must be produced without excluded methods such as genetic engineering, ionizing radiation or sewage sludge, and organic practices minimize the use of synthetic materials.⁶

FROM THE GROVE TO YOUR KITCHEN

How to Select, Ripen and Store California Grown Organic Avocados

01

Selecting

The easiest way to tell if a California grown organic avocado is ready for immediate use is to gently squeeze the fruit in the palm of your hand (avoid using fingertips as they could bruise the fruit). Ripe, ready-to-eat fruit will yield to gentle pressure.

02

Ripening

To ripen a firm California grown organic avocado, store in a warm dark place. To speed up ripening, place the fruit in a paper bag with an apple or kiwifruit at room temperature until ready to eat (usually for two to five days).

03

Cutting

Like all fruit, wash your organic avocado before cutting. Carefully cut the ripe avocado in half lengthwise around the seed. Rotate the avocado ¼ turn and cut lengthwise around the seed to make four avocado segments. Separate the quarters and remove seed. Starting from the tip, carefully peel each segment.

04

Storing

Ripe, uncut fruit can be stored in the refrigerator for three to seven days depending on ripeness. To store cut fruit, sprinkle with lemon juice, lime juice or white vinegar, wrap tightly in plastic (or reusable) wrap and store in the refrigerator.

Next Time You Shop: Look for California. Look for Organic.

Check the sticker for “California.” Look for a five-digit PLU code that starts with 9. Find the USDA Organic seal. When all three line up, you’re choosing California grown organic avocados, and supporting organic growers close to home.