Australian avocado shortage sees supermarket prices skyrocket.
According to Avocados Australia chief executive, John Tyas, avocado growers are struggling to keep up with unprecedented demand.
Avocados across the country are more expensive than ever, especially in Melbourne where the price per avocado can reach $6 each.
“Currently we don’t have the supply for the demand,” Mr Tyas told News.com.au
“In the last decade people have started to realise it’s a superfood and in summer especially they are harder to come by.
“People want to use them in their salads and it’s a food that cannot easily be substituted.”
It’s estimated that Australians each an average of 3.2 kilograms of avocado per year.
While Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and New Zealand all have climates suitable to grow avocados, recent weather has affected production.
“There has been some wet weather, which impacts on the quality of the fruit, and there have been some delays in Western Australia because of the fires, it slowed down transport,” he said.
“The conditions for growing in Victoria are also challenging.”
Avocados Australia expects the shortage to last a couple of months, but is confident prices will return to normal by April.
Meanwhile, avocado farmers have planted extra trees to accommodate for the growing demand.
Six people are in a NSW hospital after police pursuit results in crash.
A total of six people are in a NSW hospital, including two in critical conditions, following a police pursuit and crash on Showground Road at Gosford last night.
A critical incident investigation has been launched by police following the two-car collision which occurred at approximately 10:30pm.