Woolworths Confirms Avo Shortage As Logistics Delays, Harvesting Hassles Bite

Retail group Woolworths confirmed on Wednesday it is experiencing a shortage of avocados, saying this is due to a shift in harvesting times in KwaZulu-Natal, lower volumes in the Eastern Cape and logistical delays in Tanzania.

Historically, the month of January is generally considered a tougher month for local avocado supply because avocados are out of season, an avocado industry expert also told News24.

But Woolworths said the 'good news' is that new season harvests from Mozambique and Limpopo are 'nearly ready', which will help mitigate supply constraints in the coming weeks.

The retailer said in a statement in response to questions from News24 that it was 'aware of supply issues affecting the availability of avocados at Woolworths', adding that ensuring fresh produce was readily available to its customers was a 'top priority'.

It continuously monitored the macro-environment when 'predicting and planning the supply of seasonal fruit and vegetables'.