New Zealand’s avocado industry is feeling the pinch from a bumper 2011-2012, with production volume significantly down on last season.
The New Zealand Avocado Growers Association confirmed this season’s harvest would yield 3m trays, half the volume produced in last year’s record-breaking crop.
While the association’s president Jen Scoular said it was natural to see fluctuation in crop size from year to year, she warned prices would be affected in both the domestic and international markets.
“This year there's a shortage of supply and an increased demand for avocados, which in a market economy means the price goes up,” Scoular told The New Zealand Herald.
Avocado prices in New Zealand have risen by 86 per cent since January 2012, according to statistics from New Zealand's Food Price Index.
Scoular suggested prices were unlikely to fall anytime soon, as the industry looks to maximise grower returns.
“We would like to see the return to the grower maintained, which means we do suggest that the retail pricing might hold next year similar to where it is now,” she explained.
New Zealand exports 60 per cent of its avocado crop, with the Bay of Plenty the largest growing region.
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