The supply of avocados in Australia over summer comes from Western Australia and New Zealand, and this year due to environmental reasons both supply regions are down by 30%, resulting in the current imbalance in the supply-demand equilibrium with production rates lagging behind avocado appetites. The reduced availability will filter through to retail prices which are set to rise in the short term.
Antony Allen, CEO of The Avolution, said, "Avocados have massive appeal which continues to propel consumer consumption and rapid industry growth. At the moment a 5.5 Kg tray is going for $80 wholesale and in the supermarkets they are selling for between $3.90 to $5.98 per Kg.
“In the past 20 years, Australia's avocado production has increased from 18,000 tonnes a year to nearly 68,500 tonnes in 2015. With more Australian’s than ever adding avocados to their shopping baskets, the current lull in supply has led to a higher wholesale price.
“We are expecting production to ramp up in time for March when Queensland growers will harvest, this will stabilise retail prices across the country. Until then, consumers can expect prices to continue to rise as the industry tries to meet exceptional demand with less fruit,” Antony said.
For more information:
Antony Allen
The Avolution
Email: ceo@theavolution.com.au