New Zealand avocado output to increase by 25%

Following a disappointing 2017, New Zealand’s avocado growers are expecting a recovery this year, with volumes up by around 25% to 5.2 million 5.5 kg trays. The low volumes registered in 2017 came off the back of a record 2016 campaign. This year, around 3.6 million trays are scheduled for export, a rise of 60% from last year, with demand expected to be strong across all export markets. The main destination is Australia, followed by Asian neighbours South Korea, Thailand, Japan and Singapore, with new markets rapidly developing in Taiwan, India and China, too.

New Zealand’s exporters gained access to the Chinese market earlier this year, with a trial shipment sent to Shanghai last season. Shipments to the Asian giant are expected to grow significantly this campaign.