Gwen Jackimek takes helm at Hass Avocado Board as US demand tops 3B pounds

The United States avocado industry is entering a new phase of leadership featuring an ever-growing female representation. Proof of that seismic shift is Gwen Jackimek, the first female chairperson at the Hass Avocado Board (HAB). 

Her appointment comes only months after Ventura County grower Rachael Laenen also became the first woman to lead the California Avocado Commission (CAC).

Jackimek’s promotion comes as the category continues to expand across retail and foodservice, driven by Americans’ seemingly never-ending appetite for the green gold fruit. 

In mid-March alone, avocado imports into the US jumped by 85 percent year-on-year, with Mexican supplies leading the charge. The Golden State, which produces 90 percent of the US-grown avocados, is projected to yield 330 million pounds, marking three consecutive years exceeding 300 million pounds.

“I am honored to be part of this historic moment for our industry,” Jackimek told FreshFruitPortal.com. “It is inspiring to see how women like me are taking on bigger roles across the supply chain.”

The new chairwoman will bring her diverse experience and strengths to help HAB achieve its ambitious goals: making Hass avocados America’s preferred healthy food for every meal, driving per capita consumption growth, and providing value to consumers and stakeholders.

Leadership roots shape industry vision

Despite acknowledging the significance of her appointment, Jackimek emphasizes that leadership effectiveness in the avocado sector depends more on experience and collaboration than on gender. 

“This is a dynamic industry where effective leadership traits are gender neutral,” she said. “My leadership style was shaped by a lot of hard work, the advice of incredible mentors, male and female, and recognizing what it takes to earn the trust of amazing teams.”

She adds that her experience in sales, marketing, and category management will inform her approach as chair.

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“I am looking forward to sharing my insights to help HAB achieve its mission to strengthen the global avocado industry and its stakeholders by leveraging our incredible resources,” she added.

Jackimek is also encouraging emerging leaders to build a comprehensive understanding of the supply chain.

“My advice is to learn the business from the soil all the way to the shelf. The more you understand about the entire industry, the better decisions you’ll make—and the more meaningful relationships you’ll build along the way,” she stressed.

Sustained growth in focus

As avocado volumes reach record levels, the industry faces increasing scrutiny around sustainability, supply dynamics, and long-term demand stability. 

Jackimek says ongoing collaboration will be critical to addressing these challenges.

“We see value in continued dialogue across the supply chain as the industry works to meet demand and serve consumers effectively,” she said.

She pointed to industry events such as The Avocado Conference, scheduled for the second half of November in San Diego, as key forums for addressing these issues.

“The conference creates an opportunity for stakeholders across the supply chain to come together, share perspectives, exchange ideas, and discuss the issues shaping the category’s future,” Jackimek said. “Those conversations are important as the industry works to meet strong demand while staying responsive to changing market dynamics and stakeholder expectations.”

Leadership development remains another priority for HAB as it looks to sustain growth. Jackimek highlights the organization’s Board Leadership Development program (BOLD) as a tool for preparing future leaders.

“We are also enhancing the industry’s future by identifying and preparing a diverse pool of qualified leaders,” she said. “As a graduate of Class 2, I experienced first-hand how HAB’s BOLD equips professionals to dig deeper into the complexities of industry challenges, leverage data, and be stronger collaborators. I’m ready for the year ahead and looking forward to serving as chair.”

The second edition of the Global Avocado Summit will be held on November 11, 2026, at the Monticello Casino Events Center in Santiago, Chile. Organized by the Chilean Avocado Committee and Yentzen Group, the meeting seeks to bring together the main players in a growing industry.

The event has established itself as a key space for addressing commercial and sustainability issues in the industry, bringing together producers, exporters, buyers, certifiers, and innovators to analyze the sector’s challenges and opportunities.

For more info, contact events@yentzengroup.com

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