DE PERE (NBC 26) — In his 19 years owning El Maya, Sergio Jimenez has only ever used avocados from Mexico in his guacamole.
“Avocados from Mexico are the best avocado in the world," he said. "They are really creamy and they stay green for many hours. The flavor is completely different.”
This is all about to change for Jimenez and Mexican restaurants all over the U.S. The USDA announced all avocado sales from Mexico were suspended after an inspector for the department received a verbal threat on his cell phone. Specifics about the threat are still unclear, but the USDA has previously reported violence from the drug cartels, which have been taking advantage of the economically beneficial avocado trade for years.
“When we noticed that there was going to be a ban on avocados, first thing was, the price is going to jump up really bad," said Jimenez. "Right now, not so bad. There has been an increase of 30 percent. And the supply is getting shorter.”
Jimenez is going to have to start getting the fruit from California or Peru, and he says those avocados just aren't the same.
“Those avocados, as soon as you cut it, it gets dark," he said. "So the avocado or the guacamole will be dark.”
Although he’s not looking forward to spending more money, he understands the USDA's decision.
“It’s something good because we don’t need to be allowing the cartel drugs try to control the market," said Jimenez. "I don’t think it’s good.”
Over in Appleton, El Agave is on its last few boxes of avocados from Mexico.
“It was two days ago when I heard about the avocados," said owner Rene Hernandez. "Right away, I contacted Cysco, who’s my supplier. And speaking to him, he said, well avocados the prices are going to be on top of the roof.”
Avocado prices are up 75 percent, Hernandez said. As for menu prices, he’s always had his guacamole listed at market price, and hopes customers will understand that he has to charge a couple extra dollars for the dip.
“It scares me, but at the same time people love guacamole," said Hernandez. "So it will not be a Mexican restaurant without guacamole.”
