Drought and flooding have caused global shortfalls in the supply of ‘green gold’, while demand continues to rise
Perhaps it is a measure of how far the not-so-humble avocado has come that it is now the stuff of royal gifts.
When Prince William paid an official visit to a leisure centre in Merseyside this September – leaving Kate at home, suffering with severe morning sickness – a little boy very sweetly handed over an avocado tied with a ribbon. Young Archie’s mother also suffered from morning sickness and eating avocados had proved effective against nausea.
The fruit’s appeal shows no sign of abating, riding a wave of hipster popularity – usually the Hass variety in the US and western Europe. US consumers are spending almost $900,000 a month on avocado toast, according to payment company Square. In June 2014, the figure was just $17,000, but by June 2017 it had reached $890,500.