Wet weather in New Zealand and bush fires in Western Australia led to an avocado season shortage and subsequently an increase in prices, reports dailymail.co.uk. Avocado prices will not return to normal until April, despite the fact that 225,000 trays are currently on their way to retailers to temporarily ease prices.
According to CEO of Avocados Australia John Tyas, Queensland farmers supply 60 per cent of the Australian market of avocados, but their annual harvest does not start until March.
'Over the past 10-15 years the demand for avocados has increased strongly as the product has become more popular,' Mr Tyas told Daily Mail Australia.
While Australia's supply is usually lower in summer, unexpected weather conditions have affected crops across the country, as well as in New Zealand.
According to Mr Tyas, the crop was slightly smaller than usual and rain has affected harvesting time and the quality of the fruit.
'Western Australia and New Zealand will continue their harvest over the next few weeks and then North Queensland will start harvesting around late February so prices are likely to ease a bit,' Mr Tyas said.
'We prefer to see a balanced market and in time, prices will start to ease as more fruit comes onto the market.'
Current prices for avocados in supermarkets are about $4 each, but Harris Farms is selling Australian-grown avocados at $6.99 each.
During the past 20 years, Australia's avocado production has increased from 18,000 tonnes a year to nearly 68,500 tonnes in 2015.
The demand for the fruit grew after its nutritional values were recognised and it was classed as a super food.
