NZ's avocado sector set up well for the future
Outgoing chief executive of New Zealand Avocado, Jen Scoular believes the sector is well set up despite a challenging environment for growers around the globe.
NZ Avocados chief executive Jen Scoular says the discovery of new health benefits of avocados grown here is great news for an already booming industry.
Researchers have discovered that NZ-grown avocados have double the vitamin B6 and 20% more folate than those grown in other countries.
Avocados are already a social media star – ‘the Oprah of Instagram’, Scoular says. The value of the NZ industry jumped from about $40-80 million per annum between 2007-08 and 2012-13, to $200 million in the record year last year.
Most of the world’s avocados are Hass, says Scoular. The nutritional composition of Hass, which has been known for years, has always been based on a Californian avocado.
“Plant and Research has looked at a NZ avocado. You know what we found? We have twice as much B6, which is great for energy, and 20% more folate than an avocado from California.”
Folate contributes to normal growth and development in children, and to good tissue growth in pregnancy. Vitamin B6 contributes to normal immune system function and helps reduce fatigue.
Scoular says NZ produces about 1.5% of the world’s avocados, Mexico produces about 55%-60%.
“We are a tiny player but we are making a difference. We are seeing real growth in the domestic market and in our export markets. A lot is to do with what we see being posted on all social media channels – the conversations about avocados.
“They are the Oprah of Instagram – avocados are the most photographed fruit of Pinterest and Instagram.”
She says NZ Avocados is developing some “lovely stories”.
“People want to know about where the avocados come from, about the growers that love going out in the orchards in the morning and looking after their trees and nurturing those wonderful avocados. We are developing lots of lovely stories about our passionate avocado growers.”
OPINION: Ministry for Primary Industries' situation outlook for primary industries report (SOPI) makes impressive reading.
Sheep and beef farmers Matt and Kristin Churchward say using artificial intelligence (AI) to spread fertiliser on their sprawling 630ha farm is a game changer for their business.
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.
A unique discovery by a Palmerston North science company, Biolumic, looks set to revolutionise the value and potential of ryegrass and the secret is the application of ultraviolet (UV) light.
A New Zealand company is redefining the global collagen game by turning New Zealand sheepskin into a world-class health product.
With further extreme weather on the way, ANZ Bank is encouraging farmers and business owners impacted by the recent extreme weather and flooding to seek support if they need it.
OPINION: Dust ups between rural media and PR types aren't unheard of but also aren't common, given part of the…
OPINION: The Hound hears from his canine pals in Southland that an individual's derogatory remarks on social media have left…