Avocados in short supply after Yasi

Feb. 23 (AAP) - Australia's avocado industry has felt the full force of Cyclone Yasi, with the storm destroying fruit worth at least $10 million.
About 20 per cent of the crop in north Queensland was stripped from trees and a further 30 to 40 per cent of the fruit was damaged by wind resulting in blemishes to the skin.
And with the spotty fruit due to hit supermarket shelves this week growers are assuring consumers the damage is only skin deep.
"We are not asking consumers to reduce their standards as the fruit still tastes as good as always," said Antony Allen CEO of Avocados Australia.
"We are urging them to understand that the appearance of the fruit is currently out of the growers' control."
Mr Allen asked consumers to help avocado growers get back on their feet by continuing to buy the fruit "despite their imperfect appearance."
Both Woolworths and Coles have shown their support for Queensland's growers by reviewing their quality specifications and allowing some spotted fruit to shelf.
"Supermarkets will continue to enforce strict quality control on all fruit and vegetables, ensuring any imperfections lie on the surface of the skin only," Mr Allen said.
The full extent of Cyclone Yasi's damage will be revealed this week as growers begin to harvest their crops.
"The industry estimates $10 million in damage to avocado crops," Mr Allen said.
Cyclone Yasi has predominantly affected growers in the north Queensland region, in particular the Atherton Tablelands which accounts for 17 per cent to the nation's overall avocado supply.
During March and April this figure jumps to 80 to 85 per cent.
It will take about 12 months for the industry to recover and for supplies to return to normal, with suppliers relying on avocados from Bundaberg and Western Australia in the meantime.
Consumers can expect to see an improvement in the appearance of the fruit when Bundaberg growers harvest their crop in April.