Recent media articles have stated that avocados are currently retailing at prices as low as 80 cents each in Australia, and John Tyas, the Chief Executive Officer of Avocados Australia, was recently contacted by various media channels to provide comment on this statement.
Despite some misquoting in these reports, Avocados Australia has responded to the media enquiries by clarifying that avocados are currently retailing at between $1.80 and $2.00 each in the major retailers across the country.
The peak industry body says it monitors avocado retail chain prices across Australia on a weekly basis - and that there is no evidence of avocados being sold at 80 cents each.
In a statement, Avocados Australia says despite clarifying the current retail prices, some media channels are continuing to report that avocado prices are currently very low, which is incorrect.
"Be it Hass avocados or Shepard avocados, the price varies depending on supply and demand," the peak industry body said. "Whilst we currently have good supplies of Australian avocados, domestic demand is currently strong and we are expanding our footprint in key export markets. Every month of the year, Australian avocado growers work hard to produce quality avocados to meet consumers’ expectations."
Shepard avocados supply the February to April window that enables Australian growers to supply all year round. The Shepard season is coming to a close and the new season Hass will begin to dominate supplies in the coming weeks. The peak industry body says it is doing two main things to address the strong supply of Australian avocados.
"Avocados Australia is working across the industry to increase domestic consumption and to increase consumption of Australian avocados in our key export markets," Avocados Australia said. "We are also working with the Australian Government to open new export markets and we are supporting growers to increase their capacity and capability to export."
Avocados Australia says consumers can support Australian avocado growers by buying Australian avocados in retail stores.
"Be it, Shepard or Hass, avocados are incredibly healthy and versatile, they add something special to a wide range of meals. There are plenty of recipes consumers can try on the Australian Avocados website."
Source: Avocados Australia Statement