Avocado harvest in New Zealand: frosts and season outlook

According to NZ Avocado Executive Director Brad Siebert, the sector's prospects for the upcoming season and the long term remain positive. The industry retains such advantages as favorable seasonal windows in key markets, access to diverse export destinations, proximity to the Australian and Asian markets, and country-of-origin reputation. The main challenge is to convert these advantages into sustainable grower profitability through increased orchard productivity, consistent fruit quality, and adherence to best practices in the supply chain.

At the same time, the positive outlook needs to be balanced against the impact of night frosts recorded in August across growing regions. Many growers experienced damage to fruit, foliage, and developing flowers. Specialists are currently helping growers assess the damage and make decisions regarding harvesting timing and orchard management. The consequences for fruit quality and total harvest volumes are yet to be fully assessed, but the latest data shows a slight decrease in overall volumes compared to previous forecasts.

Exporters note favorable key markets, including renewed demand from Australia and diversified programs in Asia and North America. The success of the season will depend on fruit quality, market timing, and supply chain efficiency. The organization's research and expert programs are aimed at addressing issues at the orchard level, including a new pest and disease management strategy that encompasses adaptive spraying technologies, the study of pest biology for integrated plant protection practices, testing new protection products, and AI-based decision support tools for growers.

In addition, market development work continues, including reshaping investments in domestic market initiatives in partnership with retail. At the recent NZ Avocado annual meeting, changes to the structure of the industry body were discussed, aimed at delivering value to growers through efficient systems, research, market development, advocacy, and risk management.