According to Michael Franks from New Zealand grower Seeka, "Getting a consistent yield has been challenging and the 2015/2016 selling season is a shorter supply year. Australian programs are typically completed prior to Christmas leaving the market to imported New Zealand avocados."
He goes on to say that quality has been excellent but supply constrained. Recent regular rain in the New Zealand growing regions has also frustrated supply and they are having a down year where yield is low.
Seeka has exported 250,000 trays this season compared to 350,000 last season.
Prices exceeding AU$ 50 per 5.5kg tray in Australia are now prevalent and have strengthened through the year.
Some restaurants have taken avocados off the menu until supply loosens up in a few months.
Seeka expects to complete harvest in the next two or three weeks and return record returns to growers approaching NZ$ 30 per tray.
"While there is a little way to go until the next harvest commencing in August the fruit set for next year looks to be excellent with large quantities on the trees. The market dynamics next year will be different I suspect," concludes Franks.
For more information: Michael Franks
Seeka
Tel: +64 21356516
+64 21356516Email: mfranks@seeka.co.nz