Australian cafes are rationing avocados, with the fruit going for as much as $9 a piece in supermarkets.

According to Brisbane wholesaler, Peter Kedwell, supplies have fallen due to lighter than average avocado crops and unusually short seasons, with Australia’s love affair with avocados having may upset the market balance.

Avocados Australia chief executive John Tyas says the cost should come down soon, as some growers are picking now, rather than late February when the season was expected to start.