Rising volumes, improved quality and a broader set of markets have helped the avocado industry bounce back from weather challenges.

Average prices continue to be higher than this time last year, says Brad Siebert, chief executive of industry body New Zealand Avocado,

“Volumes are tracking steadily, giving a clearer picture of early market dynamics and helping to guide upcoming harvest and marketing decisions.

“Recent weather will have impacted harvesting and expected clearer skies will likely result in increased volumes.”

He says export volumes increased 170% to 3.6 million trays this season, with 3.3 million trays sold into the domestic market.

The New Zealand market generated $62 million, with overall export revenue rising 362 per cent to $94 million in the year to June 30, 2025.

“This marks a meaningful realignment to balance domestic v international supply, with the 2023-24 season export revenue at only $20 million,” says Brad.

New Zealand growers supplied avocados to the most diverse range of markets to date, with exports to Australia rebounding to $63 million and North American markets growing in a second season of exporting to the United States and Canada.

Asian markets

Brad says Asian markets continue to grow in importance as exports to the region increased 96% to $40 million.

“Asia now represents 37% of avocado export revenue, a significant increase from 8% five years ago.”

Brad says signs are looking promising for the 2025-26 New Zealand avocado export season, with early estimates forecasting an increase in total volumes.

“Growers, packers and exporters are preparing for an earlier export window to service over 16 international markets this season.

“Fruit quality is looking good, with maturity levels tracking well to align with seasonal market requirements.”

He says a return to more favourable conditions is a welcome change for an industry that was hit with cyclones Dovi in 2022 and Gabrielle in 2023.

“Both hit avocado-growing regions, damaging fruit and reducing export volumes to levels not seen in nearly a decade.”

Equipped with a stronger crop, Brad says the industry is ready to renew its export diversification efforts with vigour.

NZ Avocado CEO Brad Siebert. Photo / Supplied

NZ Avocado will target markets across Asia as well as North America, with export revenue to Canada and the US growing beyond NZ$4 million after only two years of supplying the region.

“Despite growing competition in key export markets, New Zealand avocado exporters have made steady progress in diversifying their market reach.

“The industry continues to expand its footprint, with increasing volumes being exported to a broader range of destinations.

“This diversification strategy remains a core focus as global demand grows.”

Siebert says the sheer size of the Asian market is enticing, and with per capita avocado consumption still low, there remains significant potential for growth.

Global demand

“As global demand for avocados continues to rise – driven by increasing consumer interest in healthy fats and plant-based nutrition – Asian markets are expected to follow suit.

“This creates a compelling opportunity for the industry to expand supply into these markets as awareness and demand build over time.”

He says to stand out in the increasingly competitive sector New Zealand positions itself as a high-quality and trusted supplier, and NZ Avocado works with industry to develop strong, evidenced-based, country-of-origin positioning to support this.

“New Zealand avocados are uniquely positioned to supply premium fruit during the off-season of major producers, offering a valuable counter-seasonal supply option to Asian markets.

“What truly sets avocados from New Zealand apart is their consistently high eating quality, supported by industry-wide standards for food safety, sustainability and traceability.

“These attributes are now further reinforced through the New Zealand Government’s FernMark: a globally recognised symbol of trust, authenticity and quality.”

Siebert says NZ Avocado has recently secured the first industry coalition FernMark Licence for the avocado sector, alongside all participating exporters.

“This official country-of-origin mark assures trade partners and consumers that New Zealand avocados are grown to the highest standards.”

About 1600 growers produce avocados in New Zealand.

The Bay of Plenty remains the leading region, producing around 57 per cent of the country’s avocados, with many smaller orchards.

Northland accounts for close to 34 per cent of production, with a number of larger-scale orchards.

NZ Avocado Growers Association Inc (NZAGA) supports growers’ interests by promoting the sale and consumption of avocados, managing a research and development programme, and by creating a supportive structure that encourages development and growth within the industry.

Brad says NZ Avocado also co-ordinates and disseminates relevant industry information and lobbies and liaises with Government for the good of growers.