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AVOCADOS
The seasons, the regions, and the reasons About 1600 growers contribute to avocado production in New Zealand; the Bay of Plenty being the leading region –producing about 50% of the country’s avocados.
But, how does the avocado season actually work in New Zealand? It all begins in the spring when the avocado trees flower. Avocado seasons differ from many other fruits in that they have a longer overall growing period, meaning the fruit continues to grow on the tree for more than 18 months; so that avocado you recently ate, possibly began its journey as a flower in spring 2023! Crops like kiwifruit and apples, also flower in the spring, but are harvested the following autumn. This schedule allows for pruning to be completed in winter when the plant is dormant. However, for avocado growers, finding the right time to prune is tricky – fruit is often still hanging on the trees!
Good news
On the flip side of this, there is good news for the avocado grower. The advantage of a long growing
season is that growers can target different markets at different times of the year. The export season for avocados in New Zealand is generally between July and February, while supply to the New Zealand domestic market continues year-round. Historically, most New Zealand export avocados have gone to Australia during their summer, but our industry is diversifying and expanding into exciting new markets in Asia and North America.
Strengthen opportunities
On top of this, you may have seen in the news that in August 2025, our New Zealand avocado exporters have jointly secured a coalition license under the FernMark License Programme – New Zealand’s official mark of origin – which will undoubtedly continue to strengthen our export opportunities. This recognisable NZ symbol can be displayed on product packaging and marketing collateral to help drive
preference for New Zealand products in offshore markets. Domestically, the avocados you see in supermarkets are all New Zealand-grown. Most are packed through one of seven main packhouses between Northland and the Bay of Plenty. At Trevelyan’s in Te Puke, we work with our growers and our local market supply partner, BayFarms, to supply fresh, quality fruit to the domestic market throughout the year. This flexibility gives Trevelyan’s growers choice. Growers decide when they should pick, providing opportunities to capture peak market returns and even giving them more fruitless
n trees flower.
windows to tackle that allimportant pruning! So, the next time you drive past a local avocado orchard, you can appreciate how the
New Zealand avocado ranks as the country’s third-largest fresh fruit export – not bad for a country that is typically left off most world maps!
Local? Global?
Avocado industry secures FernMark, aims to boost exports
In a landmark move for New Zealand’s horticulture sector, avocado exporters have joined forces to secure a collective FernMark Licence – the first of its kind for the industry. The FernMark, New Zealand’s official country of origin mark, is awarded by the Government to products that meet rigorous standards of authenticity, quality, and governance. While individual exporters have held licences before, this coalition represents a unified front, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to collaboration and excellence. Minister of Trade Todd McClay hailed the initiative, saying it “demonstrates quality and trust” and will help elevate New Zealand’s presence in global markets. Recognised by nearly half of consumers in key export regions, the FernMark boosts buyer confidence, with 44% more likely to purchase products bearing the mark. For
The avocado season starts in spring whe
Growers, we’ll help get g et your A Avos there.
avocados, it aligns perfectly with the industry’s values of sustainability, ethical growing, and premium quality. David Downs, CEO of New Zealand Story, praised the coalition’s entry into the FernMark Licence Programme, calling it “a fantastic example of exporters working together to amplify their impact.” The FernMark will feature prominently in upcoming promotional campaigns across Asia, North America, and other strategic markets. With nutrient-rich soils and high UV light contributing to their rich taste, New Zealand avocados are already a standout. Now, backed by the FernMark’s seal of trust, the industry is poised to expand its global footprint. Brad Siebert, CEO of NZ Avocado, says the licence reflects a shared vision: “Working collectively raises the bar for quality and builds greater trust worldwide”.
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