According to New Zealand media reports, due to overproduction, New Zealand avocado prices have been continuously declining. In some regions, avocado prices have dropped to 0.19 New Zealand dollars per piece, equivalent to about 0.81 Chinese yuan per piece.
A spokesperson for Woolworths, a supermarket giant in New Zealand, stated that the current avocado prices are at their most competitive levels in years, with the supply expected to remain high for the next two months. Last month, the retail price of ready-to-eat avocados in stores ranged between 1-1.2 New Zealand dollars, and market demand reached a historic high.
Planter Hugh Moore explained that the excessive orchard yield is significantly lowering prices, with the current prices being virtually "free." Many areas in the Bay of Plenty have been unable to harvest due to strong winds and other weather conditions, leading to a noticeable increase in defective fruit rates. However, even top-grade fruit in the New Zealand domestic market is priced ridiculously low. Some large planting areas hope to harvest early, and the young age of the orchards results in low prices.
In addition to the domestic market, low export demand is also affecting planters. Influenced by the U.S. imposing tariffs on Peruvian supplies, the export start time this year has been much slower than the industry's expectations. Peru's avocado production reached a historic high this year, which has suppressed international market prices, causing New Zealand to effectively lose the U.S. market.
Brad Siebert, CEO of the New Zealand Avocado Association, stated that thanks to favorable weather conditions, the quality of this season's avocados is excellent. The harvest and export peak season for avocados has already begun, and fierce international competition is putting tremendous pressure on the entire industry, especially on planters. Other exporting countries have occupied the main export markets for New Zealand avocados, which poses a real challenge.
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