The New Zealand Avocado Growers Association, NZ Avocados, projects a decrease of more than one million trays in export volumes this season due to the weather impacts on fruit quality.

Production volumes are estimated at around 4.4 million trays, with 1.4 million destined for export. However, the outlook is more favorable for the next season.

NZ Avocados CEO Brad Siebert notes that they are concluding a challenging season where the amount of fruit exported by growers has decreased while operating costs are rising. Furthermore, increased competition in some key markets is also impacting export returns.

Siebert points out that the future challenge is understanding where efficiencies can be achieved in orchards and the supply chain while increasing demand.

New Zealand avocados are exported to more than 30 countries, aided by the relatively pest-free status of our growers. This season, the industry has exported to South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, China, Japan, India, Singapore, the Pacific Islands, the United Arab Emirates, and Malaysia.

Although Australia remains a priority market, the oversupply there means that producers in that country are also looking for export opportunities.

However, the biggest development this season has been that the domestic market has become the largest. Siebert states that NZ Avocado must capitalize on this and increase consumption in New Zealand to the per capita consumption rates that other countries, such as the United States, have achieved.

Source: ruralnewsgroup.co.nz