The New Zealand avocado industry is exploring ways to enhance fruit quality and crop resilience amidst fierce international competition after a challenging year for exporters. The sector is also emphasizing its sustainability efforts to global markets.
Brad Siebert, CEO of New Zealand Avocado, highlighted the impact of three tough growing seasons and cyclones Dovi, Hale, and Gabrielle on fruit quality. "This sees the volume increase that goes onto the domestic market with about 3 million trays domestically. It means we have about a million less trays not going to export," he said.
Competitive pressures from South America and Western Australia are also intense. However, Siebert noted that the New Zealand industry is working on strengthening its sustainability credentials. "At the moment we are putting credentials around our sustainability story and are completing a whole of industry life-cycle assessment that provides evidence-based proof of our sustainability," he said.
Efforts are also underway to improve crop consistency, with the importation of root stock from the United States and Israel.
Source: farmersweekly.co.nz