Winter prices remain strong for avocados

The traditional winter price drop for avocados has failed to materialise this year, says Avocados Australia Chair Jim Kochi.

“As a North Queensland grower supplying the market at this time of year, I know from experience that through winter, prices tend to drop because consumers go a bit ‘off the bite’ for avocados after the first cold snap,” he said.

“That hasn’t happened this year with and I’ve heard of growers receiving up to $50 a tray.”

Mr Kochi said as well at a tighter supply in most regions currently, he put the change down to consumers extending their uses of avocado, and having confidence in using the fruit in a variety of dishes and meals.

“There’s never a shortage of avocados in winter, the change this season has been that returns to growers have remained quite high, with stock moving through stores quickly,” he said.

“I would say the consumer is more committed to using avocado now, regardless of the weather,” Mr Kochi said.

He said another important factor was improved retail displays, with single-layer fruit displays reducing the potential for bruising.

“I’ve also seen many displays that have ‘ready to eat today’ and ‘eat tomorrow’ to help consumers choose the best fruit for them.”

However, Mr Kochi warned all the good work of industry to increase year-round consumption to match year-round availability could easily be undone.

“We as growers need to make sure we keep quality high because we have to meet consumer expectations; without them we don’t have an industry,” Mr Kochi said.

“As long as we’re vigilant about quality, the consumers are happy to take our product, regardless of the weather.”

This article was produced for the Guacamole, 18 August 2017.