Woolworths has a hipster problem

THIS culinary fad has provoked a war between Woolworths and its suppliers. But the retailer says it’s just keeping customers happy.

THE great Australian brunch is wreaking havoc with Woolworths’ supplier relationships.

Avogate erupted this week after local farmers blasted the supermarket chain for daring to bring forward its New Zealand import schedule.

The peak body for avo growers, Avocados Australia, accused the retailer of treachery for stocking the foreign fruit in Queensland stores a month earlier than planned, without consultation.

“Australian growers are very disappointed Woolworths has stopped sourcing locally grown avocados for most of its Queensland stores already, given the large volumes of Australian fruit that are currently available,” chief executive John Tyas told Fairfax Media.

He said while it was normal practice to supplement locally grown avocados with New Zealand stock in warmer months, Woolworths had brought this process forward, warning of a potential glut.

But the retailer had a simple explanation: Demand for avocados is skyrocketing, as shoppers embraced the avocado craze.

While hipster cafes serve up the ‘avo smash’ on toast for $18, Australians are increasingly including the popular fruit in their grocery shop.

A Woolworths spokesman said demand for avocados had spiked by 20 per cent in the past year, and that it was simply ensuring that it would not run out of stock.

“Woolworths works hard to ensure we are stocking the popular products our customers demand and are committed to sourcing high quality products from Australia first and foremost — 96 per cent of fresh fruit and vegetables at Woolworths are sourced from Australia,” the spokesman said.

“We work closely with our local growers at all times throughout the year. Feedback shows avocados of high quality are down this season on last and we have exhausted supply from our local growers.”

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