A spokesperson for New Zealand supermarket giant Woolworths stated that the current price of avocados is at its most competitive level in years, with the supply of avocados 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 also reached a historic high.
Planter Hugh Moore explained that the excessive yield in orchards is significantly driving down prices, with the current price being virtually "free." Many areas in Bay of Plenty have been unable to harvest due to weather impacts such as strong winds, leading to a noticeable increase in the rate of inferior fruit. However, even top-grade fruit in the domestic New Zealand market is priced incredibly low. Some large planting areas hope to harvest early, and the low prices are due to the young age of the orchards.
In addition to the domestic market, the low export demand is also hitting planters hard. Mainly affected by the tariffs imposed by the United States on Peruvian supplies, the start of exports this year has been much slower than industry expectations. Peru's avocado production reached a new high this year, which has suppressed international market prices, effectively causing New Zealand to 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 avocado harvest and export peak season has already begun, and the intense international competition is placing enormous pressure on the entire industry, especially on planters. Other exporting countries have taken over the main export markets for New Zealand avocados, which poses a real challenge.