Another bumper year is predicted for the avocado industry.

New Zealand Avocado chief executive Brad Siebert said there's “plenty to be positive about as we head into the new season”.

“Early export fruit began leaving the country by the end of June, marking the start of what we hope will be a strong campaign for New Zealand growers.”

Siebert said getting fruit away early helped spread supply across the season and gave exporters a head start in key markets.

The east coast of Australia was expected to receive more than 50% of New Zealand’s export avocado volumes this season, with numerous Asian markets and Canada taking the balance.

“This market mix allows the industry to capitalise on strong opportunities in Australia while continuing to advance the industry’s long-term market diversification strategy.

“It’s an encouraging signal, and a reminder of the quality and reputation New Zealand avocados continue to carry offshore."

Typically, around 50% of New Zealand’s avocado crop is exported.

This year’s harvest was predicted to produce 8 million trays in total, with the latest forecast being 5.3 million exported and 2.7 million going into the New Zealand market.

The 2025–26 export season saw total shipments of 3.446 million trays.

About half of the 4700 avocado hectares in production are in the Bay of Plenty, and around 40% in the Northland region.

Closer to home, Siebert said domestic supply was holding up well, and Kiwi shoppers could expect to keep finding good local avocados on the shelves through winter.

“Maintaining a steady flow into the domestic market matters; it keeps avocados front of mind for consumers year-round and supports growers who supply locally.

“We’d encourage everyone to keep enjoying them: winter is a great time for avocados on toast, in salads or for a nutritional boost to a smoothie.”

Hot Honey Halloumi Smashed Avo Toast (15 mins; serves four people)

Ingredients

1 avocado

1 tsp lemon juice

1 tbsp olive oil

200g halloumi, sliced

2 tbsp honey

½ tsp chilli flakes (adjust to taste)

4 slices ciabatta

Method

Mash the avocado in a small bowl with lemon juice and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the halloumi until golden on both sides. Reduce heat and drizzle over honey and chilli flakes, tossing to coat. At the same time, toast the ciabatta.

Spread the avocado over the toasted ciabatta. Top with the hot honey halloumi and serve immediately.

Winter tips

While winter has well and truly settled over avocado orchards, Brad says this is no time for growers to put their feet up.

“July is when the groundwork is laid for the season ahead, and a little attention now pays dividends come harvest. Look after your trees through the cold," Siebert said.

“Waterlogging is the big winter risk, so check that drainage is doing its job after heavy rain and that mulch is keeping root zones protected without smothering them.”

He said frost-prone sites were worth a close eye. “Young trees in particular benefit from protection on clear, still nights.”

A woman chooses an avocado in a grocery store. The price of avocados is down 22% from a decade ago. Photo / 123rf

Siebert said it's also the right window to stay on top of orchard hygiene: clear fallen fruit and leaf litter to reduce disease carry-over, and keep monitoring for rot and pests that don’t take the winter off.

Growers planning nutrition programmes should be thinking ahead now, so trees go into spring in good heart, he said.

“As always, healthy soil and good drainage are the foundation of a resilient crop.”

Field days

July also brought a chance for growers to get together.

Field days were planned for early July.

“The field days are a great opportunity to get out of the orchard, talk shop with fellow growers, hear the latest from New Zealand Avocado, and pick up practical tips you can take home," Siebert said.

“The team would love to see a good turnout.”

Winter can feel quiet, but Siebert said a lot was happening behind the scenes across the industry.

“Whether it’s tending your trees, watching the first export fruit head away, or getting involved in the elections, July is a month to stay engaged.

“Here’s to a productive season ahead.”