There have been more than 20 thefts at New Zealand commercial avocado orchards in the last few weeks.
The body that represents growers, , believes the snatches are opportunistic and driven by a surge in demand during a period of low supply.
"We have had a very big program to increase the visibility and demand for avocados in New Zealand and I guess you can say it has definitely worked," said New Zealand Avocado chief executive Jen Scoular.
Prices have sky-rocketed, with avocados that usually retail for between $NZ1.50 and $NZ2.50 ($AU1.43 to $AU2.38) each currently being sold for $NZ4 to $NZ6 ($AU3.82 to $AU5.72).
Thieves have been targeting orchards in the Bay of Plenty and northwards.
Under cover of darkness they have been raking the avocados off the trees and loading them into trucks before making off.
Between 50 and 200 avocados have been taken in each incident.
"It is not a huge number in the scheme of things. But it is a really big impact, an awful invasion for the grower," Ms Scoular said.
The fruit has being sold on the black-market to small independent retailers and restaurants seemingly unaware of its origin.
New Zealand Avocado has advised the stolen avocados would not be tasty.
"The consumer is not getting a good avocado, because these are being taken before they reach maturity," Ms Scoular said.
Australia is New Zealand's biggest avocado customer, but exports are on hold and due to resume with the main avocado growing season in August.
Reassuringly for Australian avocado addicts, Ms Scoular said supply for the upcoming season was looking promising.
"Actually our crop this year is looking very good, so we have probably got double as many avocados in the coming season as we had in the previous season."
