Taranaki has been known as a dairy region, but the region may soon become recognized for its avocados as thousands of trees being planted around the region. Some 6000 avocado trees will go into the ground this year, with another 10,000 in 2022.
According to economic development agency Venture Taranaki, avocados are a significant export industry for New Zealand, fourth behind kiwifruit, apples, and grapes for wine, and Venture Taranaki hopes the fruit could help the region’s economy to diversify. Australia is New Zealand’s largest export market for avocados. New Zealand avocado exports to Asia are growing rapidly. Asian export markets include South Korea, Thailand, Japan, Singapore, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, and India.
Earlier this year, Venture Taranaki invited avocado industry representatives to New Plymouth to discuss opportunities with local landowners. A developing avocado industry in Taranaki will boost the region’s resilience, Venture Taranaki chief executive Justine Gilliland says.
