Demand for avocados in New Zealand has increased as more people discover their amazing health benefits and versatility. Prices for avocados in New Zealand can change as a result of supply and demand. As with all fresh produce, prices fluctuate with the supply throughout the year and avocado volumes vary from season to season and these fluctuations can lead to shortages and increased prices. Be wary of stolen fruit and we recommend you read the information below in order to avoid potentially purchasing stolen fruit.

New Zealand Police recommendations:

• If a theft takes place the New Zealand Police encourage reporting in all instances.
• If witnessed at the time of theft call the Police emergency line on 111 immediately. Try to take as many details as you can of the thieves including their appearance and any vehicles and vehicle registration numbers etc.
• If you discover fruit has been stolen but you did not witness the theft, contact your local police station.
• If you are approached by anyone trying to sell car boot loads of avocados, take a description of the person and their vehicle registration and report the activity to your local police station.

How to spot stolen fruit:

Avocados with long stalks or no stalks maybe stolen as they have been ripped from the tree. In a normal harvest avocado stalks are cut from the tree close to the fruit which leaves a small button stalk.

Avocados that never ripen are also likely to be stolen as the fruit has been picked before it is mature.