Avocados

New Zealand currently produces just 2% of the global supply but is the ninth largest international avocado exporter.

There are 4,000 hectares of avocado trees planted in New Zealand, primarily in the Bay of Plenty and Northland, with the productive area expected to increase to 10,000 ha by 2040.

To say that avocados have had a rough 18 months would be an understatement. Disruptions in the global supply chain combined with an unforeseen drop in sales to Australia are largely responsible for reduced orchard gate returns, which hit a low of $9.9/kg a tray last year. 

The good news is that orchard gate returns are projected to recover this season to around $15 a tray, and the industry’s drive to expand new markets appears to be bearing fruit – as exports to Asia grew by over 300% last year.