🥑 Avocados
Avocados are a foodservice essential — from brunch staples to burgers, bowls and beyond. While available year-round, the best value and quality typically come from Victorian and southern NSW-grown fruit between February and August, with Hass being the standout performer.
Shepard avocados hit the market in early autumn and are a solid alternative when Hass is in short supply — just remember they stay green when ripe, which can throw off untrained eyes in the kitchen.
Pro tip for kitchens: If you’re mashing or smashing you’re avocados for guac, dips or spreads, let us know — we often have cosmetically imperfect fruit at a better price. Same great taste, just a little rougher on the outside.
Peak Season: February to August
Off Season: Spring transition between QLD and southern crops can cause short-term price hikes
Common & readily available varieties: Hass & Shepard
Specialty Varieties: Reed, Bacon, Fuerte, Wurtz, Bacon
Storage tips: Ripen at room temp, then refrigerate. To reduce browning, store cut avo with lemon juice or cling film pressed against the surface.
| AVOCADOS | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hass | 🟠 OK | 🟡 Good | 🟢 Best |
🔴 Poor | 🟡 Good | 🟢 Best |
🟢 Best | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best |
🟢 Best | 🟢 Best | 🟠 OK |
| Shepard | 🔴 Poor | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best |
🟢 Best | 🟠 OK | 🔴 Poor |
🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor |
🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor |
| Reed | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor |
🟠 OK | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best |
🟢 Best | 🟢 Best | 🟠 OK |
🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor |
🟢 Best Quality, Stable Price & Locally-Grown
Peak-season local produce at its freshest and most affordable. Excellent flavour, long shelf life, and reliable availability. Ideal for premium menus and consistent plating.
🟡 Good Quality, Variable Price
Often sourced from interstate. Still high quality, but pricing can shift depending on supply volumes and freight. A solid option with manageable cost.
🟠 OK - Variable Quality, Volatile Pricing
Typically freighted from distant states (QLD, WA or NT). Quality may be inconsistent, and pricing often fluctuates based on weather, fuel, and logistics. Use with caution in cost-sensitive menus.
🔴 Poor - Limited Supply, High Cost, and Imported
Availability is low or highly unpredictable. Often imported from overseas, resulting in shorter shelf life, lower flavour, and premium pricing. Suitable only for specialised or non-negotiable menu items.