Avocado prices in record rise as demand soars

Avocado fruits harvest for export.The farmers were doing small-scale maize farming but after the outbreak of the deadly Maize Lethal Negrosis Disease(MLND),they turned to avocado farming where they export to Netherlands.PHOTOS:ROBERT KIPLAGAT.

Avocado prices have risen to a record high due to surging global demand and reduced harvests from major producers Mexico, Peru and California.

A 10kg box of Hass avocados from Mexico’s major wholesale producer sells for around 530 pesos ($27.89). That is more than double last year’s price, according to Bloomberg data.

Analysts expect prices to remain at “elevated levels” after a growers strike in Mexico and drought in California led to a severe supply crunch last year.