Avocado exporters set for record

Avocado growers are expecting to export their biggest crop ever this season -- an estimated two million trays.

Avocado Industry Council chairman Hugh Moore said the industry was relieved to be breaking through the long-anticipated two million tray mark.

"But there is some anxiety Now we've got it, how well are we going to deal with it?" he said.

"Everybody has been talking about preparing -- and maybe they have, mentally -- but I think there is going to have to be some good physical management so there are no holdups and smooth marketing operations."

Mr Moore said he expected exports of avocados up from 1.1 million trays last year to between 2.1 million and 2.2 million this season.

This year's avocado season will be a good three weeks later than usual and Mr Moore said he did not expect to have exports in Australia until late September or October.

Japan would take an increase from 60,000 trays last year to 250,000 trays this year. America was likely to be another market.

- BAY OF PLENTY TIMES