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After two tough years, a national avocado industry body is optimistic about the current season.

Favourable weather conditions and the hard work of growers is to thank, says New Zealand Avocado marketing and communications manager Matthew Ball.

Export volumes were reduced and fruit quality impacted by Cyclone Dovi in 2022 and Cyclone Gabrielle the following year.

“These weather events created tough conditions for growers, but resilience within the sector remains strong,” Ball said.

Ball said the current season looked promising, with reports of strong flowering and fruit set across key growing regions through spring.

The expected result is a crop of around seven million trays - up from the five million trays harvested the previous year.

Ball said the anticipated strong yield was a positive signal of its viability and future potential.

“As the industry continues to adapt and innovate, New Zealand avocados remain highly regarded both domestically and internationally, reinforcing their position as a premium, sustainably grown fruit.”

Around 1600 growers contribute to avocado production in New Zealand, Ball said.

The Bay of Plenty remains the leading region - producing around 50% of the country’s avocados, with many smaller orchards.

Avocado trees growing well on an orchard. Photo / Cara Davis/NZ Avocado

Northland accounts for 45% of production, featuring larger scale orchards. Auckland, Gisborne, and Taranaki also contribute.

Export Markets

About 50 to 60% of the New Zealand avocado crop is exported primarily to Australia, and the balance supplied to the domestic market, including local supermarkets.

Ball said key Asian markets - which included South Korea, Japan and Thailand - were integral to the industry’s growth.

“A revised export strategy aims to better align supply with market demand, ensuring higher returns for growers and reducing pressure on the domestic market during peak export periods.

“The ongoing efforts to improve orchard management and market resilience demonstrate the industry’s determination to overcome challenges.”

New Zealand Avocado supported growers by focusing on research, development and marketing initiatives.

While the organisation does not sell or market avocados directly, Ball said it played a crucial role in optimising grower returns and ensuring levy contributions are well-utilised.

Grower’s thoughts

Northland grower Greg Rathbun is enjoying a promising season after two challenging years.

With partner Tann Duangprasit, he has 7ha of avocados on an 11ha property in Maungatapere, near Whangārei.

Rathbun said a combination of rough weather and lower returns in the past two seasons saw a number of growers pull out of the business.

Smaller operators on lifestyle blocks turned to other crops such as oranges, bananas and passionfruit. While some larger scale avocado orchards returned to pasture for dairy and sheep purposes.

Sales Channels

Rathbun said he’s fortunate to not be totally reliant on avocados. He also has multiple channels to sell his crop.

A bulk amount is exported through a regional packhouse. He then has local customers, and is involved in a group of family-owned orchards in the area which sell avocados online to restaurants and households nationwide.

Exports face increasing competition from other parts of the world, such as South America. Rathbun said the past two avocado seasons have been “a bit patchy” to say the least.

The sun rising over an avocado orchard. Photo / NZ Avocado

Rathbun’s property has the capacity for 2500 avocado trees. However, he said a move from 700 to 1600 in recent years was “the right scale” for the operation.

The avocado season runs nearly all year round in Northland -Rathbun’s latest crop was mostly picked by December.

In other parts of the country, the avocado season typically runs from August to February.

Weather conditions

Prime conditions include a combination of evening rain and “not too much” wind, a hot humid summer, and in winter temperatures dropping by about 10C.

Ball said the trees enjoy warm, frost-free environments, and temperatures ideally between 12C and 28C.

Well-draining soils are best as they prevent root rot because avocados are sensitive to waterlogged conditions.

Full sun exposure promotes healthy growth and fruit production, and protection from strong winds is required to prevent damage to the trees and fruit.

Ball said pruning was essential to maintain tree size, health, and productivity.

“It’s recommended to conduct major structural pruning in winter or early spring to avoid exposing branches to sunburn.

“After the main pruning, a light prune in autumn helps thin out new growth, ensuring better light penetration and air circulation.”