How has the growing period been in regards to the size of fruit and yield? And what has affected this?There is a skew to smaller sizes, which has put pressure on the pricing for 25 count and smaller in the export markets. The drought in 2012-13 may have contributed to this.
What is the biggest challenge/challenges growers have faced?There are many successful growers in the avocado industry who have good yields that are consistent. We are identifying these growers and looking more closely at what factors contribute to that successful production.
Traditionally Australia is the strongest market. In what other markets do you see potential growth and why?The Asian markets are where we see our future growth. There is a massive consumer base and there is demand for functional health foods that are produced in a safe system.
What is the current export price for a tray compared to last season?Our exporters reported at the industry mid-season roadshows that values from Japan were up on last season and that Southeast Asia is returning well for small fruit sizes. The Australian market is providing record returns and exporters are managing volumes into this market to ensure there are no quality issues to undermine what is currently being received. Returns per tray vary per fruit count size, market and export programme.
What lies ahead for 2014 in regards to new developments such as the MBIE research grant? An exciting year. The MBIE funding for Plant & Food Research's "Avocados for Export" programme was granted late last year and activity is now under way. In February NZ Avocado will submit a business case for Government investment into the industry through a Primary Growth Partnership (PGP). This plan aims to fast-track marketing, research and knowledge transfer activities, to transform the New Zealand avocado industry and increase production and values.
