Mexican Hass avocado imports generated an estimated $7.1 billion in U.S. economic output and supported more than 37,000 American jobs in fiscal year 2025/26, according to a new economic analysis by Texas A&M University commissioned by the Avocado Institute of Mexico. The study, The U.S. Economic Contributions of Hass Avocado Imports, found that $3.2 billion in avocado imports contributed $4.4 billion to U.S. GDP, produced $2.4 billion in labor income, and generated $1 billion in federal, state, and local taxes — a multiplier of $2.21 in economic output for every $1 of imports.
For foodservice and restaurant supply chain operators, the numbers underscore just how embedded Mexican avocados have become in daily operations. Imports reached a record 2.76 billion pounds during the 2026 season, and U.S. avocado consumption has surged 666% since the late 1990s — from 424.4 million pounds to 3.25 billion pounds through 2024/25. That volume growth has been supported by year-round availability driven by Mexico's proximity and production scale, factors that make consistent menu planning and procurement far more predictable for operators than relying on seasonal domestic supply alone.
The Supply Chain Ripple
The downstream economic activity spans well beyond the produce aisle. Transportation and warehousing, wholesale distribution, retail, manufacturing, and foodservice sectors all benefit from the trade flow, according to the study. Ron Campbell, Executive Director of the Mexican Hass Avocado Import Association, emphasized that the value creation happens throughout the domestic economy: "Mexican avocados don't simply cross the border — they generate economic activity throughout the U.S. economy, supporting transportation and distribution networks, retailers, restaurants and communities across the country."
State-level data illustrates how broadly the impact is distributed. In California, $605.1 million in Mexican Hass avocado imports generated $968.2 million in state economic output and supported 5,325 jobs. Texas saw $245.1 million in imports produce $428.9 million in output and more than 2,400 jobs. Notably, those two states combined accounted for only 19% to 22% of the total U.S. economic contribution measured — meaning the vast majority of the supply chain impact is spread across the rest of the country.
Long-Term Trade Growth
Since FY2012/13, the value of Mexican Hass avocado imports has increased 220%, from $991.9 million to $3.2 billion, while economic output generated by those imports has grown more than 320%, from $1.7 billion to $7.1 billion. Labor income, tax contributions, and employment increased 243%, 400%, and 230%, respectively, over that same period — metrics that reflect the maturation of a supply chain that now functions as a significant pillar of U.S. agricultural trade.
A separate analysis by Mexican economist Manuel Molano estimates the avocado industry generates approximately $6 billion in economic output and supports more than 78,000 jobs in Mexico. Together, both studies put the combined North American footprint at more than $13 billion in output and 115,000 jobs. Alvaro Luque, President and CEO of Avocados From Mexico, pointed to updated U.S. dietary guidelines — which place greater emphasis on whole foods and healthy fats — as a further tailwind for demand. For operators tracking ingredient sourcing and menu trends, the avocado's nutritional positioning continues to reinforce its staying power across menus from fast casual to fine dining.
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine's "Top 40 Under 40" for founding American Wholesale Floral, Politz is also the Co-founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
