Plans to quadruple sales of NZ avocados by 2023 is off to a great start with the industry almost hitting the half way mark last season with a record 7.1 million trays worth of $135 million harvested during 2014-2015 season. Chief executive of NZ Avocado Jen Scoular said the goal is to achieve $280 million worth of sales by 2023 through a five-year Primary Growth Partnership programme with the Ministry for Primary Industries.
“As exporters we are competitive but collaborate on planning and volume forecasting,” said Andrew Darling, chairman of the avocado exporters’ council, AVEC. “The Australian market remains crucial to New Zealand and planning our supply into Australia is a critical requirement that affects us all.”
Investment has also ramped up avocado nurseries, with an 18-month wait for delivery of trees, according to Ashby Whitehead, Avocado Industry Council chairman.
