"We exported our first fruit last week through our avocado packing and exporting business, Just Avocados, the fruit in the far north was mature and ready to go. We have been exporting avocados from our growers in Australia and following on from those programmes there was good demand."
Packing of Darling Group’s first export fruit for the 2017-18 New Zealand avocado season
As expected, the New Zealand avocado industry volume will be down by around 50% on last year’s record crop, due to biennial bearing which is experienced by avocado producers around the world. Andrew admits that this will put pressure on new market development this season, "We are establishing relationships with new customers and as demand continues to grow it makes it very challenging in a low volume season. We are looking to optimise the returns for our growers so we will place the fruit very wisely among our customers."
Harvest of Darling Group’s first export fruit for the 2017-18 New Zealand avocado season in Houhora, in the far north of New Zealand
Last year Darling Group made a big increase in the percentage of fruit which went to Australian retail, but much lower volumes across the board for the industry will be a challenge this season. "We will supply our Australian retailers as well as our Asian requirements, but some of the newer markets and wholesale will take a lesser percentage," explains Andrew. "Its a balancing act."
Fruit for the 2017-18 New Zealand avocado season in Houhora
"Retailers on the whole understand the seasonal variations with avocados, but Western Australian supply has had a small increase so this will help the category and our supply. Having growers who supply us in Australia takes a bit of the pressure off in years where New Zealand supply is down.
Darling Group is currently planting more avocado trees in New Zealand and also have an acquisition strategy going on around current mature orchards. "We are developing and taking hold of opportunities to increase our supply. There has been major growth in the avocado sector in New Zealand and we are excited to be a part of that.”
For more information:
Midge Munro
Darling Group
Tel: +64 7 549 3027
Email: midge@darlinggroup.co.nz
www.darlinggroup.co.nz