Avocado prices smashed as 'perfect storm' hits growers

Avocado farmers' returns are well down. (Image: BusinessDesk)

Tue, 30 Jan 2024

Avocado farming is far from the sure bet it once was, with orchardists hammered by poor weather, oversupply from competing markets and escalating orchard costs.The result has been nothing short of a financial disaster for commercial Hass avocado growers.With only a few weeks left in the New Zealand season, volumes are expected to be at 4.4 million trays, down almost a third on the 6.4m trays pulled from orchards during 2022/23, according to data from industry body NZ Avocado.Returns peaked for NZ exporters at $167.8 million during 2020/21, cont...

Subscribe to BusinessDesk

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

You can cancel anytime with two clicks, an email or a phone call.
Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

Already a Subscriber ? Sign in here.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].name) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}

Markets Market Close

NZ sharemarket dragged down by a2, Ebos

The S&P/NZX 50 Index closed at 13,074.81, down 58.34 points or 0.44%.

Graham Skellern 03 Sep 2025

World

Australia’s second-quarter growth better than expected

The economy grew by 0.6% in the second quarter from the prior quarter.

The Wall Street Journal 03 Sep 2025

Australia’s second-quarter growth better than expected

Primary Sector

New rules cut red tape for food exporters

No need for special exemptions from Sept 25.

Rebecca Howard 03 Sep 2025

New rules cut red tape for food exporters

Sponsored

Are employers doing enough to prepare workers to retire well?

When one third of the New Zealand workforce is aged 55 or older – are employers doing enough to help them prepare for retirement?

Moneyfit

Sponsored

Bold Steps: reshaping women’s leadership in Aotearoa

Dame Therese Walsh and Dame Joan Withers reflect on the summit’s unlikely beginnings – and how it has evolved into a platform for ambition and impact today.

OnBeingBold