AV YOU SEEN THE PRICE OF THESE?
OUR addiction to all things avocado is causing prices of the popular fruit to skyrocket, as the relentless demand continues to outstrip supply.
East Fruit Market owner Greg Holt said the cost of the foodie favourite has been climbing steadily for about a year.
“It’s a healthy, cholesterolfree fruit and everyone’s into them and addicted to them and all of a sudden there is not enough out there,” he said.
The Ormond Rd shop is selling small avocados for about $4 or $5 and large ones between $6 and $7.
Mr Holt said a wholesale tray is currently about $80 or $90 compared for $40 or $50 a few years ago.
“We were very lucky that for many years avocado sat at the $2 to $3 dollar mark and gradually over the last two years they have slowly crept up,” he said.
Geelong’s thriving cafe scene is also feeling the pinch with almost all breakfast menus featuring a smashed-avocado offering, as well as listing the fruit as a side — or extra — for a number of other dishes.
“Once you tell them it’s supply and demand, customers are understanding but there is massive demand from cafes, I have had a few complaints from them over the price,” Mr Holt said.
It’s expected chefs and shoppers won’t feel relief at the checkout for another four to six weeks when supplies improve.