Unprecedented demand for new planting in the growing avocado industry has prompted Bay of Plenty post-harvest operator Trevelyan's Pack and Cool to launch its own nursery.
The company also plans to sell avocados online directly to the public.
Trevelyan's avocado manager Daniel Birnie said the company would soon begin grafting plants near its main Te Puke packhouse and coolstore operation to boost supply for local growers. The company said it hoped to have from 2000-3000 available for sale by next spring.
New Zealand Avocado chief executive Jen Scoullar said there was currently a waiting list of two-to-three years. The two main nurseries for avocados are in Whangarei and Gisborne.
"A lack of trees is a constraint on growth in our industry," said Ms Scoullar. "I believe we have the capability as an exporter of avocados to build volume. Additional supply is not a detriment, because we're still a relatively small player."