Ken Melban Appointed New President of California Avocado Commission

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A fruitful avocado orchard in California, symbolizing growth in the avocado industry.

News Summary

Ken Melban has been named the new president of the California Avocado Commission (CAC) effective May 22, 2025, after more than a decade with the organization. Under his leadership, CAC has advocated for growers and implemented sustainable agricultural practices. With over 20 years in the produce industry, Melban aims to enhance the avocado sector’s growth, which is projected to see a harvest increase this year. His commitment reflects a dedication to both avocado growers and the broader agricultural community.

California – Ken Melban has been appointed as the new president of the California Avocado Commission (CAC), effective May 22, 2025. This announcement marks a significant step in his career, as Melban has been with the CAC since 2011, building a robust background in various leadership roles within the organization.

Melban began his journey with CAC as the director of issues management and was later promoted to vice president of industry affairs in 2015. Most recently, he held the position of vice president of industry affairs and operations, a role he assumed in late 2023. In his ascent to the presidency, he has earned commendations for his adept management of financial and administrative operations, as well as industry affairs programs, according to the CAC chair.

Known for his deep understanding of the challenges faced by California avocado growers, Melban has been a staunch advocate for their interests. His efforts have included collaborating with government bodies and organizations to address crucial issues such as post-fire recovery advocacy and safeguarding California growers against the threats posed by harmful pests from imported avocados.

In his previous roles, Melban championed the implementation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for California avocados, which affirm the commitment to sustainability and quality. His strategic leadership also saw the successful expansion of California’s avocado export program, achieving market access to China in 2020 after nine years of arduous negotiations.

Melban possesses over two decades of experience in the produce industry, having previously engaged with various California commodity boards and the National Grape & Wine Initiative. He earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in leadership and organizational studies from Fresno Pacific University, which inform his leadership strategies.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Melban has actively contributed to community service organizations and participated in initiatives such as the California Department of Food and Agriculture Climate Change Adaptation Consortium and the Ventura AG Futures Alliance. His holistic approach serves to support not just the avocados but the broader agricultural landscape.

The California avocado industry is projected to see an increase in production, with an expected statewide harvest of 375 million pounds for the current year, up from 350 million pounds last season. The growth reflects a consistent trend where approximately 300,000 new avocado trees have been planted annually across California over the past decade. Notably, the industry is valued at approximately $1.5 billion, demonstrating its significant economic impact.

Rick Shade, a farmer managing around 5,200 avocado trees at Shade Farms, anticipates a near-record harvest for the 2026 growing season, with projections of a yield surpassing last year’s production of 250,000 pounds of avocados. As the trees mature, the increased yield aligns with the overall positive forecast for California’s avocado supply.

Santa Barbara County stands out with approximately 5,700 acres dedicated to avocado farming, making it the third-highest-grossing fruit and nut crop in the region. In light of the harvesting season, Shade recommends consumers opt for hard avocados, allowing them to ripen at home for optimal quality.

While the CAC has not provided any commentary regarding avocado prices in retail stores for the upcoming year, the growth in production and the ongoing development of the avocado sector signifies a dynamic future for growers and consumers alike.