World Cup, MLB and NFL Put Avocados From Peru on the National Stage; Xavier Equihua Comments


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Wed. September 30th, 2026 - by ANUK Staff

ORLANDO, FL - Avocados From Peru is bringing its 2026 sports and retail campaign to the International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce & Floral Show next month. Spanning FIFA World Cup broadcasts, the Cincinnati Reds and the Indianapolis Colts, the campaign connects national sports audiences with retailer promotions and fan experiences across the United States. The Peruvian Avocado Commission (PAC) will share the program with industry partners ahead of its football finale at Lucas Oil Stadium.

“We’re connecting our brand with sports, healthy living and community engagement while helping our retail partners increase avocado sales,” said Xavier Equihua, PAC president and CEO, in the recent release. “The sports moments create excitement. Our retailer partnerships give shoppers a way to bring that excitement home.”

World Cup and Retail Reach

During the World Cup, participating retailers received custom-tagged television spots on select local FOX stations, linking broadcasts to stores in their markets. PAC also offered retailer-tagged spots during the MLB All-Star Game and MasterChef. Digital coupons, instant rebates, retail media, social promotions and in-store displays carried the campaign through to the point of purchase, a press release stated.

 Avocados From Peru is bringing its 2026 sports and retail campaign to the International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce & Floral Show next month 

On the East Coast, Avocados From Peru hosted a Superfood Breakfast aboard the USS Arlington during America’s 250th anniversary maritime celebration in New York Harbor. On the West Coast, its Guac Off Challenge at SeaWorld San Diego brought local personalities together to showcase avocado recipes. Both events complemented PAC’s national media and retail program.

MLB With the Cincinnati Reds

In June, the Cincinnati Reds named Avocados From Peru their Official Avocado and Official Superfood. The partnership included stadium branding, social content, avocado-inspired concessions and a sweepstakes featuring a custom co-branded Toyota Tacoma. Fans could see the truck at Great American Ball Park and community events, while a Reds Guacamole Challenge made avocados part of the game-day experience.

The Midwest was a key focus of the national campaign. Its 12 states are home to nearly 70 million people, compared with approximately 58 million in the Northeast and 80 million in the West, according to U.S. Census Bureau 2025 estimates. PAC sees significant opportunity to grow avocado consumption in the Midwest while continuing to support retail partners nationwide.

In June, the Cincinnati Reds named Avocados From Peru their Official Avocado and Official Superfood 

NFL Finale With the Colts and Meijer

For its NFL finale, PAC teamed up with the Indianapolis Colts and Meijer for the AVO-Colts Sweepstakes. Entries close October 5.

On October 18, when the Colts host the Tennessee Titans, three semifinalists will compete at halftime in a Price Is Right–style challenge for a custom 2026 AVO-Colts Toyota Tacoma. The winner will be revealed live at Lucas Oil Stadium, which seats more than 60,000 fans.

Sweepstakes prizes also include a $2,000 Meijer gift card and a Colts VIP experience.
Colts mascot Blue has helped promote the sweepstakes through fan content featuring the Colts, Meijer and Avocados From Peru. The halftime contest will bring the promotion from fans’ screens to the stadium.

“Together, we can make avocados, and especially guacamole, an even bigger part of the Midwest’s football tradition,” Equihua said.

On October 18, when the Colts host the Tennessee Titans, three semifinalists will compete at halftime in a Price Is Right–style challenge for a custom 2026 AVO-Colts Toyota Tacoma

Promoting Through a Challenging Season

The campaign unfolded during a challenging avocado season. Abundant supplies from multiple origins pressured prices and reduced some retailers’ advance commitments. In response, Peru shipped less fruit to the United States than originally projected. PAC now estimates approximately 140 million pounds of Peruvian avocados for the 2026 U.S. season, underscoring the importance of aligning promotions with fruit available at retail.

Meet Avocados From Peru in Orlando

PAC will welcome retailers, industry partners and friends to Avocados From Peru booth No. 2289 at the Global Produce & Floral Show, October 14–16 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. The booth is among the show’s larger exhibits.

“We invite everyone to stop by our booth for Peruvian tapas, a glass of wine, other refreshments and a chance to win prizes,” Equihua said. “It’s an opportunity to reconnect with our retail partners and friends, celebrate the season’s accomplishments and talk about what comes next.”


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Avocados From Peru

Our avocados are raised in the totally unique environment of our coastal plains and mountain valleys, cradled between the…