Global consumption of avocados continues to increase as more consumers learn about the amazing health and taste attributes of avocados.
Demand is increasing for avocados grown in the wonderful New Zealand environment, under well managed industry systems ensuring safe, premium avocados are delivered.
Global consumption of avocados reached 6.4 million tonnes in 2018, about 100 times more avocados than we produce in New Zealand which contributes just 1% of global avocado production.
Although demand from export markets continues to increase, NZ Avocado CEO Jen Scoular says there is no risk of New Zealand running out of avocado supply, with 1,000 new hectares of avocado trees planted and set to begin to produce fruit between now and 2023.
"There are nearly 4,000 planted hectares producing avocados in New Zealand which can produce up to 43,000 tonnes, or 180 million avocados each year. Growth in global demand for our amazing New Zealand avocados has seen large scale investment into new plantings.
The New Zealand market has grown from $21 million in sales value in 2010 to $56.6 million in 2019, with more New Zealander's now enjoying the amazing health benefits and versatility of the green superfruit.
Avocados contain 19 different vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients including vitamins A, B, C and E, dietary fibre, folate, protein and good fats. They are a great fit for those on paleo, ketogenic, plant based, vegan, and vegetarian diets and are dairy free, sugar free and gluten free.
NZ Avocado caught up with global producers at the World Avocado Congress in Colombia in Sept 2019. Great information was shared on production and demand, and researchers shared their new findings and trial information. At the event New Zealand also won the rights to host the next World Avocado Congress in New Zealand in 2023.
The New Zealand industry has come a long way since the first avocados were sold in fruit markets in Auckland 80 years ago. This historic milestone for the avocado industry will be celebrated at the Katikati Avocado Food and Wine Festival this Saturday, 18 January.
The festival includes family entertainment from the Topp Twins and Kokomo, delicious food and wine, plus live cooking demonstrations. There will be plenty of free attractions for children in the kids zone. The Katikati Avocado Food and Wine Festival takes place at Uretara Domain in Katikati from 11:00am till late.