The Super Bowl and America’s Love for Avocados: A Game Day Tradition
Every year, millions of Americans gather on the second Sunday of February for the Super Bowl, the championship game of the National Football League (NFL). This sporting event is more than just football, it has become a cultural phenomenon, bringing people together most importantly, for food. Among the most popular game-day snacks is guacamole, made from fresh avocados, whose consumption skyrockets during this period.
The History of the Super Bowl
The Super Bowl was first played in 1967 as a matchup between the champions of the American Football League (AFL) and the National Football League (NFL) before the two leagues merged. Over the decades, it has evolved into one of the most-watched television broadcasts in the United States. With major sponsorships, high-profile halftime shows, and millions of dollars spent on advertising, the Super Bowl is now a billion-dollar event that extends far beyond the sport itself.
When did Guacamole become a Super Bowl staple?
While football fans have long enjoyed traditional snacks and food like pizza, wings, chips, and dips, avocados have emerged as a game-day favorite.
It was in the 1990's that the California Avocado commission began promoting guacamole. Before this, avocado was a misunderstood fruit for the elite. It was an expensive, often opened while still unripe, fatty fruit which was not welcome in the ideal diet of the time (no fat or low fat).
The CAC hired a marketing firm to promote avocados. They launched the Guacamole Bowl, promoted through NFL events. They also incentivized NFL players and their families to share their guacamole for the public to try. Avocados began to gain in popularity.
In 2015, Avocados from Mexico - AFM - became the first fresh produce brand to advertise during the Super Bowl, a strategic move that revolutionized avocado marketing. By capitalizing on the Super Bowl's association with guacamole, AFM increased market share, enhanced brand recognition, and developed a powerful marketing ecosystem.
Avocado consumption in the U.S. has surged in recent years, driven by increased awareness of their health benefits and the growing popularity of Mexican cuisine. Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fats, fiber, and essential nutrients, contributing to a healthier diet, which has made them a popular choice among health-conscious consumers. Check our article about the nutritional benefits of avocados!
One of the key reasons for this spike is the popularity of guacamole, an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish. Americans prepare large batches of guacamole to serve with tortilla chips, making avocados a must-have ingredient for Super Bowl Sunday. If you are searching for an alternative to classic guacamole, we recommend you try our recipes!
Avocados and the Super Bowl
With the increasing focus on healthy eating and plant-based diets, avocados are likely to remain a Super Bowl staple for years to come. The fruit's versatility, nutritional benefits, and association with festive gatherings ensure that every February, millions of football fans will continue to enjoy their chips and guacamole while watching the biggest game of the year.