Avoco, which represents about 75 per cent of New Zealand growers, predicts export sales will top $50million in all markets this season, through to August 2014.
The supply of rival Mexican avocados is lower, allowing Avanza, Avoco's international export brand channel, to start early-season negotiations in Japan at significantly improved market prices. While that was partly offset by an unfavourable exchange rate, it still reflected a significant improvement in grower orchard gate returns (OGR), said Avoco.
"We are aware of strong grower pressure to pick more fruit in this early phase of the season, but all the market forecasts show values strengthening strongly in December, January and February," said Avoco director Alistair Young.
While early-season prices had excited growers, he noted, it was important to structure the harvest to maintain a targeted supply. "To get ahead of ourselves now will potentially place the strong values we are working towards at risk. But on the upside, the opening prices in Australia are the best we have seen." The returns would build a good foundation for growers.
Interest in New Zealand avocados was also strong in developing markets such as Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia and there were signs that Avanza sales would resume in Hong Kong after a two-year absence.
Avocados are New Zealand's third-largest fresh fruit export, and had an industry value of $60million in 2012/2013 for domestic and export volumes. Avanza handles Avoco's sales into countries other than Australia, with Avoco's growers sharing equally in Avoco's returns from all markets. Avoco united the efforts of the two biggest exporters, Southern Produce and Primor Produce.
