Avocados From Peru joins Navy’s Sail250 event in New York Harbor
The Peruvian avocado brand hosted a breakfast aboard the USS Arlington as it tied Sail250 participation to its 2026 summer campaign.
By Sofia Marchetti · World Affairs Correspondent
3 min read
Avocados From Peru took part in the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary maritime celebration by hosting a breakfast aboard the USS Arlington on July 2 in New York Harbor. The appearance placed Peru’s avocado promotion inside a diplomatic and military setting as ships from several countries gathered for Sail250 and the International Naval Review 250.
The event centered on a “Superfood Breakfast” for sailors and invited guests. The menu featured avocados and smoothies made with fresh avocados and blueberries from Peru, highlighting two agricultural exports the Peruvian Avocado Commission is promoting in the U.S. market.
The organization described the breakfast as a way to recognize U.S. service members while drawing attention to fresh foods and their role in health and energy. Nutrition messaging has become a common tool for produce groups seeking to stand out with retailers, foodservice buyers and consumers during seasonal campaigns.
Xavier Equihua, president and chief executive of the Peruvian Avocado Commission, said the Navy invitation gave the brand a chance to honor U.S. armed forces members and present Peru at the maritime celebration. He also pointed to the presence of the B.A.P. Unión, Peru’s naval training ship, as part of the country’s representation during Sail250.
The USS Arlington, a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock, is named for the victims and first responders connected to the Sept. 11, 2001, attack on the Pentagon. Capt. Vince Libasci, the ship’s commanding officer, welcomed guests aboard and discussed the vessel’s mission and history during the event.
Peru’s B.A.P. Unión joined tall ships and naval vessels from around the world in New York Harbor. The gathering was billed by organizers as one of the largest international maritime events held in the United States.
Guests listed for the breakfast included Juan Pablo Vegas, Peru’s chargé d’affaires to the United Nations; Oswaldo Del Aguila, consul general of Peru in New York; Luke Sears, president of LGS Specialty Sales; and Giuseppi and Mario Lanzone, founders of Peruvian Brothers.
The breakfast also serves as one piece of Avocados From Peru’s 2026 summer promotional campaign. The campaign includes retail efforts, sports partnerships, culinary events and media programs intended to increase U.S. avocado consumption, according to the commission.
The timing lines up with the peak of Peru’s avocado season, when importers and produce marketers typically push visibility in the United States. The brand is using Peruvian avocado promotion at Sail250 to connect food marketing with national celebrations, international representation and wellness messaging.
Avocados From Peru is the promotional brand of the Peruvian Avocado Commission, a U.S. nonprofit group operating under the federal promotion program for Hass avocados and overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The commission represents Peruvian avocado growers, exporters and importers and works to raise awareness and consumption of fresh Peruvian avocados in the United States.