RipeMax!sm is a merchandising program designed to educate retail personnel from senior management through store level on the performance potential of a dedicated ripe avocado program.
RipeMax!sm Best Practices provides tips on receiving, handling, and merchandising of ripe avocados resulting in quality displays.
Research indicates that ripe avocados can outsell unripe avocados up to 4 to 1. Produce displays should be stocked with the appropriate mix of ripe and breaking fruit in order to meet consumer demand. "RIPE" audits are conducted in select markets around the country. Store-level displays are evaluated based on pre-established criteria via in-store ripe scan audits. The Commission provides Ripe Performance Reviews for participating retailers. Support materials are available for all U.S. markets.
We're here to help!
If you have any questions, concerns or comments on our ripening programs or the Commission's services, please don't hesitate to contact our Merchandising Department at (800)344-4333 or on the Web at
avocado.org/retail. We offer an assortment of materials with information on CAC's programs, nutritional information, and/or POS.
Store Audits Reveal Regional Differences
| 2006 SEASON |
| Market |
% Ripe |
% Breaking |
% Firm |
% Overripe |
| Atlanta | 57 | 23 | 14 | 6 |
| Charlotte-Raleigh | 59 | 7 | 22 | 12 |
| Dallas-Tyler | 45 | 27 | 20 | 8 |
| Denver | 48 | 28 | 16 | 8 |
| Fresno | 52 | 22 | 25 | 1 |
| Houston | 55 | 32 | 12 | 1 |
| Northern California | 44 | 31 | 23 | 2 |
| Phoenix | 33 | 25 | 40 | 2 |
| Portland | 43 | 25 | 31 | 1 |
| Sacramento | 57 | 30 | 13 | 0 |
| San Antonio | 84 | 4 | 11 | 0 |
| Seattle | 39 | 30 | 31 | 1 |
| Southern California | 40 | 30 | 28 | 2 |
| National Average |
47 |
26 |
24 |
3 |