"The season is going very well and the avocados are selling steadily, with Seeka expecting to export 550,000 trays," said Annmarie Lee, Seeka General Manager. "Australia is a particularity strong market at this time of year, New Zealand marketers have done a great job in delivering a consistently high quality product and, while prices are not as high as last season, they are still very good and there is a high volume being sold."
"Avocados have consistently sold between AUD$30 and AUD$40 per 5.5kg tray. More recently prices have been higher, supply is shortening and the market remains strong in the summer months. Growers take an extra risk in supplying late, with more damage following a very windy summer and fruit drop. Returns to growers, while down on last year, are still expected to be excellent. The New Zealand domestic market is not as strong as the Australian, but is still enjoying great demand and prices. All in all it is a fruit marketing phenomenon. And a huge success story for New Zealand."
There have been some early quality issues across the New Zealand industry this season, which are down to climatic conditions and maturity, but this is not having a big effect on the season. The lenticles have been more fagile in 2016, meaning that the supply chains of picking, packing and shipping have had to be much more careful in handling this premium fruit. Seeka’s new plastic bins have helped prevent damage.
Seeka have just planted their first trees of the Gem variety and will expect the first crop in a few years. In addition, a lot of the Hass variety is being planted in New Zealand. "People are very interested in growing avocados and Seeka has a lot more growers coming on board. It is a good crop for them, easily able to match kiwifruit if you grow a consistent crop, and noting the much lower investment required to enter.
Australia remains the biggest market for New Zealand avocados, but some also go to the Asian markets, such as Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore. New Zealand is working on access to China, no one can be sure when this will happen, but hopefully in time for next season. Avocados are also grown in Australia, where most of them stay in the domestic market.
Seeka is looking forward to moving into a new office in early March, and building up the company on the back of a very strong 2016.
For more information:Annmarie Lee
Seeka
Tel: +64 21 766 244
Email: Annmarie.Lee@seeka.co.nz
www.seeka.co.nz