Avocado prices smashed as 'perfect storm' hits growers

Avocado prices smashed as 'perfect storm' hits growers
Avocado farmers' returns are well down. (Image: BusinessDesk)
Brent Melville
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...

More Primary Sector

Fonterra’s NZ milk collections hit five-year high
Primary Sector

Fonterra’s NZ milk collections hit five-year high

The increased production comes as forecast milk prices point to record levels.

MPI led the Fieldays charge
Primary Sector

Cameron Bagrie: MPI led the Fieldays charge

Fieldays was a class act, once again, with MPI as the lead actor.

Cameron Bagrie 26 Jun 2025