October 06, 2025 | Sun Media |
Eighty-year-old Doug Brown, an organic avocado grower in Katikati, New Zealand, successfully protected his orchard from severe September winds using a pine tree buffer he planted decades ago. His 2.4-hectare business, Ecoavo, produces avocados year-round, supplying retailers, restaurants, and consumers nationwide. Brown, who transitioned from dairy farming in the U.S. to organic avocado cultivation in New Zealand in the 1970s, was one of BioGro’s first certified organic members in 1983.
While Brown’s orchard suffered minimal damage, other growers in low-lying Bay of Plenty areas lost large portions of their fruit. Nationally, the avocado sector is facing a season of contrasts: high-quality fruit and solid yields, but low prices and export challenges due to oversupply. New Zealand Avocado CEO Brad Siebert said global competition—particularly from Peru and Western Australia—has pressured prices, with export volumes delayed by late fruit maturity.
Domestic demand remains strong, with supermarkets reporting record sales of pre-ripened avocados. The total national crop forecast is about 6.5 million trays, split 60% for export and 40% for local markets. Despite pricing issues, fruit quality is holding up well, and reduced South American supply in coming months may help stabilize export prospects.
