Avocados are sold in the New Zealand market 12 months of the year. New Zealand does not import avocados therefore all avocados sold in New Zealand have been grown in New Zealand. However, because avocados are not able to be stored in coolstores for long periods, supply becomes low between mid to late March and mid to late June – the period between harvest seasons. Between 25-30% of the total crop is sold in New Zealand. Up to 10% of the crop is sold for processing, mostly to make avocado oil.
A grower needs to decide whether to export their fruit or grow only for the New Zealand market. This decision will impact food safety requirements and contracts with service providers.
New Zealand avocados are sold domestically through:
- Direct – orchard gate or local market
- Retail – supermarkets and independent grocery stores
- Foodservice – cafes, restaurants etc
If you grow avocados for export, speak to your packer or exporter for a recommendation on how best to sell your domestic market fruit.
A list of New Zealand wholesale marketers of avocados can be found in the NZ domestic marketers contact directory.
New Zealand market grade standards
New Zealand market grade standards differ to those for export. Please click here for New Zealand market grade standards.
New Zealand market maturity requirements
Best practice requirements for pre-harvest avocado maturity exist to ensure consumers enjoy a positive eating experience which results in re-purchase of avocados. Please click here for New Zealand market maturity guidelines.
Commodity levy
Do you sell your avocados for consumption in New Zealand? All avocados sold in New Zealand are subject to a commodity levy of 3% of the sales value at the first point of sale. Please click here to view information on the commodity levies for avocados.
Market information
For information on New Zealand market packed avocado volumes, view the weekly monitoring report. Please click here to view the Weekly Monitoring Report.
Theft
Please click here for more information on theft prevention.