After severe weather and a challenging gap between seasons, Foodstuffs, the 100 percent locally owned and operated co-operatives behind PAK’nSAVE, New World and Four Square stores, are happy to report that their supermarkets will soon be packed with affordable, delicious avocados.
Foodstuffs North Island’s Merchandise Manager of Produce, Brigit Corson, said seeing the return of such a well-loved toast topper for Kiwis was great.
“From now, our PAK'nSAVE, New World and Four Square stores across Aotearoa will start to see avocados in plentiful supply as the season kicks in,” said Corson.
“We hope this is a huge relief to many of our customers who’ve missed their avocados.”
Regan Booth, Head of domestic avocado sales at fresh produce marketer and exporter Primor, said the shortage surprised many Kiwis.
“This year, we saw one of the rare times when there was a significant gap in the seasonal cycle of avocado production,” said Booth.
Booth explained that the natural cycle of avocado production and unpredictable weather events created a perfect storm that resulted in a shortage between seasons.
“As new season avocados come onboard, the industry is shifting gear to get them back on supermarket shelves as soon as possible.”
Corson added that Foodstuffs stores stock pre-ripened avocadoes customers can buy for tonight and those wanted for later. She suggested popping them in the fruit bowl next to the bananas to ripen them up or placing them in the fridge if customers need them to last a little longer.
With plenty of new plantings in the last few years, Corson said that supply continued to grow, and customers continued to buy more avocados, as the product is flexible for snacks, meals, and even desserts.
“From classic favourites like avocado toast and guacamole to more adventurous creations like avocado-lime grilled chicken, there's a recipe to suit every palate, so it's wonderful they're about to be back on the menu again,” concluded Corson.
