Not only the price point of avocados is rising—so are the tensions on the border. Made a staple food by Millennials eating toast, consumers may not be aware of the controversy surrounding a generation’s favorite fruit.
“Mexico’s avocado producers have so far been able to separate avocados from the conflictive landscape that produces them—at least until a threat to a U.S. agricultural inspector essentially shut down their exports last week,” said an article from the Denver Post.
The Cartel and arms of Mexico’s organized crime have capitalized on the country’s largest export by forcing growers to protection money, under threat of harm to their farms and families. The Denver Post writes that the producers’ association has yet to create “a serious certification program to assure consumers the avocado they buy has not involved protection money to drug cartels—the same cartels flooding the United States with deadly fentanyl pills counterfeited to look like Xanax, Adderall or Oxycodone.”
Avocados are utilized in thousands of restaurant operations throughout the US and North America. It is possible, in the weeks and months to come, this border issue may elevate to the food service and hospitality industry. Restaurant owners and managers may face further scrutiny related to certain foods and menu items, and restaurant guests might respond to shortages in product or availability even amid such controversy.
Operator awareness will prepare owners and managers for answering questions that might come from invested diners. Richard Weil Principal and owner of National Restaurant Consultants states, “We suggest that operators understand these potential political issues and are prepared to address this with staff. With guests, being pro-active will aid in addressing potentially emotional issue with a positive to neutral answer”.
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