Index Fresh says its seasonal Gem avocado offering will be available at Costco warehouses in select cities.
The gold-flecked Gems characteristically are larger in size, with an easy-to-peel skin and present a buttery, nutty flavor, according to a news release. Gems will be offered by Costco in five-count bags.
Costco will introduce the California-grown Gems for a limited time, starting in late May, with promotional support from the California Avocado Commission, the release said.
The Gem line is sold to the North American market in value-added bags or individually in 25-pound lugs. In addition to Costco, Gems can be found at Safeway, Raley’s, Gelson’s and other fresh produce departments.
"Costco does their homework when bringing any new SKU into their line up” Debbie Willman, vice president of sales at Index Fresh, said in the release. “Index Fresh introduced Gems to the market eight years ago and over time we expanded our supply and market reach to meet the growing demand for the variety. Our mission now is to grow consumer exposure, and with Costco on board we are excited to introduce Gems to as many homes as possible.”
The Costco launch reflects the increased supply capabilities and market demand for the Gem avocado variety, according to the release. Index Fresh said that it, in conjunction with agronomists at University of California, have broadly promoted the Gems for their lower resource requirements and high productivity.
The novel variety is widely adopted by California growers looking to diversify their land and cultivate a sustainable choice that increases yields, reduces water displacement, and achieves greater efficiency during harvest, the company said.
"The California Avocado Commission supports the up-and-coming Gem variety as well as all the locally grown and sustainably farmed avocados grown in the Golden State,” said Terry Splane, vice president of marketing for the California Avocado Commission. “It is exciting that California Gem avocado production is reaching promotable levels and that retailers are embracing their potential.”