In the face of a stormy spring and summer, the national avocado harvest was only slightly down on the previous 12 months.

New Zealand Avocado chief executive Brad Siebert said the 2025–26 season has showcased the industry’s resilience, adaptability and ambition.

Siebert said the 2025–26 export season has concluded with total shipments of 3.445 million trays, including nearly 150,000 trays of classes 2 and 3.

“Despite multiple wind events and tight market windows, this represents only a nine per cent decrease on last season’s export volume,” he said.

Australia again took the largest share at 750,000 trays, accounting for 22% of total exports, while Korea reached 625,000 trays – a 70% increase on last year’s volume.

With less fruit shipped to Australia, Siebert said several other markets absorbed significantly more volume.

“China, Hong Kong and India all nearly doubled their previous year’s shipments, while Taiwan increased by 50%, where New Zealand continues to benefit from a period of seasonal exclusivity.

“These gains across Asia reinforce the importance of strong and consistent importer relationships.”

Potential United States tariffs remain something of an unknown factor. Siebert said that although any tariffs on exports to the US were not ideal, New Zealand remained on a relatively even playing field with other producing countries subject to similar tariff levels.

Export markets

Siebert said newer markets, such as the United States, received 43,000 trays – lower than early-season estimates due to a narrow supply window created by extended South American supply. However, strong ambition remained to grow volume into the US, which continued to be the world’s largest importer and commercial market for traded avocados.

Canada met expectations with 283,000 trays, making it the industry’s fourth-largest volume market outside Australia for 2025.

From a whole-of-industry perspective, class 1 pack-out averaged 52%, up from 48%, with average fruit size at 24 across both export and domestic programmes.

Siebert said fruit quality outcomes have been generally positive – extreme wind events notwithstanding – and reflect improved growing conditions and supply chain management that has maintained fruit performance.

The focus now shifted to the 2026–27 export season, with efforts to retain key trade relationships again depending on fruit quality and continued profiling of New Zealand supply in international markets as the sector builds on this year’s momentum.

A new factor in the equation was New Zealand’s free trade agreement (FTA) with India. Siebert said exports have been sent to India for the past 10 years despite being subject to tariffs.

Volumes have remained relatively modest, as market access typically relies on air freight at such long distances.

He said the avocado industry worked closely with both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and Indian officials during FTA negotiations, resulting in avocados being included among the products scheduled for tariff elimination over time.

“While New Zealand avocado exports to India are already increasing, once the FTA comes into force we expect further growth in volumes as returns improve – although logistics will remain the key challenge in accessing this significant market.”

NZ Avocado chief executive Brad Siebert. Photo / Supplied

Domestic market

From here on out, the domestic market would receive dedicated supply, with 2.531 million trays supplied so far.

Siebert said now was an “especially good time” to enjoy avocados.

“They’re ripening quickly and reaching peak quality, offering a rich, buttery texture consumers won’t want to miss.

“New Zealand-grown avocados are a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.”

Siebert said local consumers could consistently access high-quality avocados, supporting demand throughout the peak season and beyond.

“By providing for domestic distribution alongside export commitments, the industry is working to maintain a balanced approach, ensuring reliable availability for retailers and food service providers across New Zealand.”

Ensuring consistent domestic supply to increase consumption remained a key part of the industry’s broader strategy.

The focus on domestic supply reflected a recognition of the importance of the home market – particularly in years when export conditions present uncertainties.

Autumn was a key time for growers to gather information and plan for the season ahead. Setting trees up for success in spring could involve pruning and reviewing fertiliser plans.

Siebert said early crop estimates were beginning to build a picture for next season, with initial indications suggesting higher volumes were expected in the 2026–27 season.

New Zealand has been exporting avocados for more than 45 years and now has access to more than 80 international markets – more than any other avocado-producing nation.

While producing just 2% of global supply, New Zealand was the ninth-largest international avocado exporter.

There were more than 4500 hectares of avocado trees planted in New Zealand, primarily in the Bay of Plenty and Northland.