A shortage meant avocados were a black-market item, but now there are more than ever.

Earlier in the year, avocados were stolen in bulk from growers in the eastern Waikato and the Bay of Plenty as short supplies drove up demand and prices.

The avocado harvest is under way and this season there should be heaps of the fruit. Supplied.

But rejoice, a bumper crop is expected.

Avocado industry insiders are predicting this season to be biggest New Zealand has ever seen.

Southern Produce marketing manager Mike Swan told Stuff the price for an avocado this year will be nothing compared to what was experienced last season where prices reached up to $5.

"It's shaping up to be the biggest season ever. That means once the export season kicks into gear...what isn't export quality winds up in the New Zealand market. The big volume seasons means there will be a plentiful supply in the New Zealand market which will mean the values won't be anything like what they've seen in the past."

Industry body New Zealand Avocado is expecting the 2016/17 season to be the biggest yet, predicting a record crop of 7.6 million 5.5kg trays.

"Avocados are notoriously biennial, which means they produce well every second year.

"It's one of the challenges the industry faces, the irregular bearing. But this means this year, after an off year last year, is going to be bumper."

From mid-September there will be more avocados on the market and the price will be decent, he said.

- Stuff