Avocado prices increasing due to reduced harvests

The avocado has seen its popularity surge in recent years
The avocado has seen its popularity surge in recent years

Avocado prices in the UK are soaring due to reduced harvests in Mexico, Peru and California, the world's major suppliers.

A 10-kilogram box of Hass avocados from Mexico's major wholesale producer sells for around 530 pesos (£21.78; $27.89).

That is more than double last year's price, according to Bloomberg data.

It doesn't appear the price will drop anytime soon; analysts have said consumers should expect it to remain at "elevated levels" after a grower's strike in Mexico and a drought in California.

This has forced retailers and restaurants in the US to take the fruit off their shelves and menus.

Food demand

Mexico is the major supplier for avocados into the US but shipments from there have fallen in recent weeks and are expected to drop even further, according to data from the Hass Avocado Board.

California production is forecast to be down about 44% this year.

Peru has also downgraded this year's crop forecast following severe flooding in its southern growing regions.

The average price of an avocado in the US has surged from $0.98 (£0.76) each in April 2016 to $1.26 (£0.97) in April 2017.

Demand for the highly exportable fruit has never been higher. Avocado consumption has grown dramatically after the fruit's taste and health properties turned it into a major food trend.