New Zealand’s avocado export season for 2025–26 concluded with shipments of 3.445 million trays, including nearly 150,000 trays of Class 2 and Class 3 fruit, according to New Zealand Avocado.
Chief Executive Brad Siebert said export volumes were about 9% lower than the previous season, largely due to multiple wind events and limited market windows during the harvest period.
Despite the decline, Australia remained the largest export market, receiving 750,000 trays, which accounted for 22% of total shipments.
South Korea ranked second with 625,000 trays, marking a 70% increase compared with the previous year.
Exports to China, Hong Kong and India nearly doubled, while Taiwan increased imports by 50%, reflecting growing demand across Asian markets.
Meanwhile, Canada imported 283,000 trays, making it the fourth-largest market outside Australia. The United States received 43,000 trays, although shipments were lower than early-season expectations due to strong South American supply.
Class 1 pack-out averaged 52%, compared with 48% last season, with an average fruit size of 24 across export and domestic markets.
The domestic market absorbed 2.531 million trays during the season as part of the industry’s strategy to balance exports and local supply.
New Zealand produces around 2% of global avocado supply, with over 4,500 hectares of orchards, mainly located in the Bay of Plenty and Northland regions.
