Big Game Festivities Remain Top Time For Sports Fans To Enjoy Avocados

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Over the past 12 years, our love for avocados has grown tremendously right along with that all-American tradition of gathering to cheer on our favorite Big Game team.  In 2000, when the St. Louis Rams took home the trophy, 8 million pounds or about 16 million avocados were consumed during Big Game festivities, but in 2012, we ate 71.4 million pounds, or about 142 million avocados during the same time period.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130116/NY42291-INFO )

This year, football fans across the country are expected to devour even more avocados, with an estimated 79 million pounds, or 158 million Hass avocados during Big Game gatherings this year. "That's enough avocados to fill a football field end zone to end zone and 30 feet high – just ten feet from the top of the goal post!" said Emiliano Escobedo, executive director of the Hass Avocado Board.

"Avocados are a great addition to any game day menu," said Mitzi Dulan, Registered Dietitian and partner of the Hass Avocado Board. "You can top all types of burgers with sliced avocados, fold them into wraps and toss them in salads. And don't forget the thousands of gallons of guacamole that will be scooped up with tortilla chips on game day. Game-watchers who worry about over-indulging can take comfort in knowing that avocados contain good fats and nearly 20 vitamins and minerals as well as beneficial plant compounds that can enhance the nutrient quality of their diet."

The Big Game is not the only event that brings out our passion for avocados. You'll find them year-round on menus whenever and wherever families and friends gather at barbeques and picnics, birthday parties, Thanksgiving feasts and of course, Cinco de Mayo celebrations. In fact, last year, we ate a whopping 1.5 billion pounds or about 3 billion of these deliciously creamy-tasting fruits.

For Big Game recipes, additional fun facts and tips, visit www.AvocadoCentral.com.  

About the Hass Avocado Board

The Hass Avocado Board (HAB) was established in 2002 to promote the consumption of Hass Avocados in the United States. A 12-member board representing domestic producers and importers of Hass Avocados directs the HAB's promotion, research and information programs under supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture. Hass Avocados are grown in California and imported into the US from Mexico, Chile, Peru, Dominican Republic and New Zealand.

Contact:
Alyson Campbell
646.218.6037
[email protected]

SOURCE Hass Avocado Board