The number of avocados harvested from orchards has resulted in large volumes of the fruit. This has made prices drop considerably lower than a year ago. Prices for avocados have dropped 40% from last year this time.
Dr Johnny van der Merwe, managing director of agricultural information group Agrimark Trends (AMT), said that the decline in the price of avocados was driven mainly by higher volumes of the fruit currently available on the market. "The latest price decreased to R11.30 per kilogram, which is 40% lower than last year, the same time. This was mostly driven by the fact that volumes are currently 157% higher compared to a year ago," he said.
Although avocado prices are currently lower, it comes at a time when South African consumers are buckling under pressure in the current inflationary environment. A spokesperson from retailer Woolworths, which is stocking the same full range of avocados as last year, stated that sales are lower as consumers tighten their budgets.
Source: businessinsider.co.za