"We have just picked out all our crop and collected 180 bins. It is a great year."
Niko says this is due to the warm weather from last spring.
"Avocados need warm temperatures at flowering time to pollinate the crop, and last spring was perfect for this," he said.
Both say the warm weather is perfect conditions for picking.
According to the NZ Avocado Growers association, this summer will deliver 7.6 million trays -- nearly double the volume last year.
NZ Avocado chief executive Jen Scoular says it is the biggest crop they have ever had, and the company is nearly half way to achieving their sales goal of $280 million by 2023.
"Our nation is full of diehard avocado fans, so for many Kiwis 2016 is the year of the New Zealand avocado. "
Niko agreed this year's crop would be the largest ever volume of export crop on record.
Anticipating the harvest season, NZ Avocado hosted a launch party in Auckland last month to celebrate the fruit's popularity and showcase its versatility and health benefits.
Author and Healthy Food Guide nutritionist Claire Turnbull spoke at the event about the health benefits avocados have to offer.
"Avocados can legitimately be called a superfood. They're full of healthy monounsaturated fats which are great for your heart and cholesterol levels, and help keep your appetite under control," she said.
Niko says that the tastiest avocados are found about Christmas time.
"From now on, consumers can start eating their avocados but the best are toward December because these have a high oil content," he said.
New Zealand currently produces just 2 per cent of the global supply.
It is the ninth largest international avocado exporter. There are more than 4000ha of avocado trees planted in New Zealand, mainly in the Bay of Plenty and Northland.
AVOCADO ADVICE
How to buy
The best way to tell if an avocado is ripe is by its colour. Don't be tempted to squeeze an avocado to check if it's ripe as this causes bruising. Brown-green or purple-brown avocados indicate they are ready to eat. If the avocado is black, it is over ripe and past its best.
How to store
Ripe avocados can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Cut avocados should be eaten within a day or two and kept in the fridge in an air tight container. A sprinkling of lemon or lime juice, or white vinegar will help prevent it turning brown.
How to prepare
Avocados can be eaten at breakfast, lunch, dinner and even dessert. Mashed, smashed, blended or blitzed, avocado is rich in monounsaturated fats which can lower the risk of heart disease and cholesterol levels. From salads to salsas or simply smeared onto toast, avocado is a healthy addition to the diet.
