New Zealand Avocado released its 2015 Annual Report today, reporting record volume with 7.1 million trays. Other highlights included that 90,000 new households are purchasing avocados in NZ along with record volumes being exported to priority Asian markets.
According to Jen Scouler, CEO of New Zealand Avocado, "There was real concern across the industry early in the season, as the crop estimate of 7 million trays was confirmed, the highest volume we have ever produced, and in a year when Western Australia, our largest competitor in the Australian market was also looking at a big crop."
"The New Zealand market had seen real value creation over the past two years, and we were cognisant of the risk of a big crop flooding the market and reducing value. With knowledge from the past high-volume season in mind, the industry put in place excellent planning."
The company reported the result of an industry value of $135 million in 2014-15, $103 million from export markets and $32 million from the New Zealand market.
"From growers through to packers, New Zealand marketers, exporters and support services, the industry worked as one, planning well, promoting to increase demand, ensuring supply met demand, and maintaining an efficient and effective supply chain. Premium avocados were delivered to customers, consumption increased and the visibility around avocados continued its upward climb."
