US Importers Sued for 'Greenwashing' Mexican Avocados

Most avocados sold in the U.S. come from Mexico, where farming methods have serious environmental and human-rights impacts. Yet importers continue to market the fruit as sustainably grown.

By Isabella Kaminski
July 9, 2025


Avocados are a regular part of many consumer’s weekly shopping—a key ingredient in guacamole, a slice on the side of a buddha bowl, and a healthy topper for toast—and sales are steadily rising.

The Del Monte lawsuit notes that people are becoming increasingly concerned about the impacts of their food. Consumers, says the filing, are motivated to buy produce marketed as “sustainable” and are often willing to pay more for it or to buy more of it. “Corporations that market these products, such as Del Monte, are keenly aware of this consumer willingness,” the filing states.

OCA says it is bringing the claim on behalf of consumers in the District of Columbia and is not seeking monetary damages. Instead, it wants the court to declare Del Monte’s practices false and deceptive and to order it to stop.

U.S. Avocado Growers Join the Fight
In Southern California, a group of companies that own and operate avocado orchards—Kachuck Enterprises, Bantle Avocado Farm, Maskell Family Trust, and Northern Capital—were growing increasingly frustrated about being undercut by importers. They were already reeling from poor domestic harvests, growing utility costs, tougher regulatory requirements, and a shortage of skilled labor, and having to compete with cheaper imports reduced their profitability even further.

More:
https://civileats.com/2025/07/09/u-s-importers-sued-for-greenwashing-mexican-avocados/