Index Fresh unveils a premium GEM variety that pairs creamy flavor with eco-friendly packaging

In a bid to offer consumers a premium, eco-friendly option in the produce aisle, Index Fresh is unveiling its latest launch: California Crema Avocados.

Harvested by dedicated California farmers, these GEM-variety avocados bear distinctive gold flecks and boast an exceptionally creamy texture.

They will be available from April through July 2025, when they reach their optimal flavor profile.

With California Crema, the global avocado production, distribution, and marketing leader seeks to satisfy a growing hunger for responsibly sourced produce, spotlighting a variety known for both taste and resilience.

The California Crema label introduces not only a flavorful new option but also the promise of environmentally mindful practices.

GEM avocados typically grow on compact trees that can produce abundant fruit within a smaller footprint, and they are protected by a lush canopy that shields them from harsh sunlight and extreme weather.

This fosters a balance between flavor quality and responsible stewardship of resources.

The California Crema program further bolsters these eco-conscious efforts by featuring recyclable paper film, biodegradable cartons, and certified home-compostable net bags and PLUs.

“Rich, creamy avocados are already staples of California cuisine and the go-to ingredient for restaurants and home chefs that want to deliver on exceptional flavor. The market is ripe for a delicious new variety that sparks excitement and pays attention to the rising consumer demand for more environmentally mindful packaging. California Crema brings all these key elements to life and partners with farmers who have invested years in cultivating a promotable level for the 2025 crop.”

Kellen Stailey Martin, Index Fresh Vice President of Marketing

By focusing on advanced farming methods and striking packaging, the brand aims to position itself as a standout choice in a marketplace increasingly attentive to both taste and sustainability.

Index Fresh believes that the GEM variety’s unique features will captivate a broad audience of avocado enthusiasts nationwide.

“Feedback on GEMs has always been through-the-roof positive, so we are very bullish on their potential to wow nationwide. They perform outstanding in taste tests and have distinctive qualities like gold-flecking and an easy-to-peel skin. The new California Crema brand draws consumers into this limited release offering, with stand-out marketing that educates and creates excitement around the GEM variety that we are proud to have helped put on the map.”

John Dmytriw, Index Fresh Vice President of Business Development

The company anticipates that emphasizing these visually striking and flavorful traits will broaden the appeal of GEMs far beyond their loyal following on the West Coast.

While exceptional flavor is a prime motivator for many shoppers, a responsible environmental footprint is increasingly becoming a key factor in produce selection.

“We are excited that California Crema will elevate the GEM variety’s already beneficial farming practices with packaging designed to reduce the environmental footprint,” Stailey Martin notes.

By creating a product line that pairs robust flavor with recyclability, compostability, and biodegradability, Index Fresh seeks to align its brand with consumers who view their shopping choices as a reflection of their values.

The spotlight on sustainability, combined with the avocados’ extended shelf life and lush, creamy interior, is expected to cultivate enthusiasm for this limited-time offering.

Beyond the packaging and harvesting, the California Crema brand intends to convey a strong sense of authenticity and place.

GEM avocados carry a reputation for balancing robust production with delicacy, making them resilient on the farm and satisfying in the kitchen.

Whether destined for guacamole, artisanal toast, or sophisticated culinary dishes, California Crema aims to be a versatile, premium-grade option.

By consolidating the distribution window from April to July, Index Fresh ensures that the produce arrives to consumers at its peak, delivering both taste and a reminder of how deeply avocados are woven into California’s identity.