3. Inventories

Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):


	October 31,
	2013		2012
Fresh fruit	$	13,928	$	10,776
Packing supplies and ingredients		5,511		7,294
Finished prepared foods		9,234		4,878

	$	28,673	$	22,948

We assess the recoverability of inventories through an ongoing review of inventory levels in relation to sales and forecasts and product marketing plans. When the inventory on hand, at the time of the review, exceeds the foreseeable demand, the value of inventory that is not expected to be sold is written down. The amount of the write-down is the excess of historical cost over estimated realizable value (generally zero). Once established, these write-downs are considered permanent adjustments to the cost basis of the excess inventory.

The assessment of the recoverability of inventories and the amounts of any write-downs are based on currently available information and assumptions about future demand and market conditions. Demand for processed avocado products may fluctuate significantly over time, and actual demand and market conditions may be more or less favorable than our projections. In the event that actual demand is lower than originally projected, additional inventory write-downs may be required.

We did not record any lower of cost or market adjustments during fiscal years 2013 and 2012.