In the 2020/2021 avocado season in New Zealand, the industry reached a sales value of USD 227 million, out of which USD 167 million were generated by exports and USD 60 million by local sales. New Zealand avocado's main export destinations were Australia, Thailand, and Taiwan. The 2020/2021 season encountered some challenges like a smaller average fruit size, a smaller harvest, disruptions in sea and air freight, COVID-19 restrictions, and disruptions in the value chain. Despite falling some challenges, the industry achieved good sales and exports, making avocados the fifth most valuable horticultural export for New Zealand.
New Zealand avocado exports to Australia reached 4.2 million (5.5kg) trays in the 2020/2021 season, representing a 45% export growth from the 2019/2020 season. This increase is attributed to a rise in Australian imports due to a drop in production in Western Australia.
Source: New Zealand Avocado
In the 2020/2021 season, avocado exports to eight markets across Asia reached over 500,000 trays, the largest destinations being Thailand and Taiwan. The local market is the second-largest market for New Zealand avocados. In the 2020/2021 season, about 2.5 million trays of avocados stayed in the local market, representing over USD 60 million.
In the 2021/2022 season, New Zealand producers have already encountered some issues. COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war have disrupted global shipping and logistics, affecting the New Zealand avocado industry. Australia currently has a congested marketplace, generating a decrease in avocado imports from New Zealand. Predictions state avocado exports will encounter a 300% export increase to Asia this season, despite the new COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns. South American avocado producers have increased their supply and opened new markets in Asia, becoming an important competitor to New Zealand avocados.
Avocado production in the Western Bay of Plenty District has recently experienced a supply decay due to unfavorable weather that damaged crops. According to Tridge’s Engagement Manager from New Zealand, Breda van Niekerk, most avocado producers face a 15% to a 25% decrease in production so far this season due to unfavorable weather. Despite expecting a decreased harvest, the avocado quality this season is looking good, and exports are forecast to remain stable due to high global demand.