Just like the DA’s mayoral candidate for Johannesburg, Helen Zille, also known as Godzille, is stealing hearts in the City of Gold, Woolworths’ Avozilla is set to steal the hearts of avocado-loving addicts across South Africa – and if social media is anything to go by, the green giant is already winning.

The extra-large avocado made its Instagram debut yesterday, reaching more than 250 000 people in less than 24 hours. South African shoppers responded with the wit and humour that has become the hallmark of local social media banter.

Social media goes wild

“My keto heart just skipped a beat,” commented Kim, whilst Gaylin quipped, “Did we go back in time or forward in time to the 1st of April?” The responses reflect the collective amazement at the sheer size of what Woolworths is calling Avozilla.

And no, it’s not an April Fool’s joke. The behemoth fruit is very real and very limited.

Not your average avo

Avozilla is an extra-large, locally grown avocado available as a limited-edition seasonal offering in selected stores across Gauteng and the Western Cape. Its impressive size is the entirely natural result of unique genetics and ideal growing conditions – no genetic modification or Jurassic Park-style experiments involved.

When it comes to taste and texture, it delivers exactly what customers expect from an avocado, just significantly more of it. Perfect for those who’ve ever looked at a regular avocado and thought, “I could probably eat three of these in one sitting.”

From Tzaneen to your toast

Grown locally, the extra-large avocados are a varietal originally discovered in the Duiwelskloof area of Tzaneen. They have been in development and evaluation for several years before finally reaching Woolworths shelves in 2026.

The varietal has a harvesting window during the late mid-season, typically from late July into August, making them a limited-edition item available only for a few short weeks each year.

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Innovation meets excitement

Chan Pillay, CEO of Woolworths Food, said: “Our country is home to some of the best avocados in the world, and we’re pleased to offer our customers even more of the fruit they love. A huge number of customers, particularly on social media, have contacted us asking where they can get their hands on Avozilla, and this excitement is precisely the kind of innovation and joy we love bringing to South Africans.”

Each Avozilla retails for R59.99 and is available as a limited release whilst stocks last. Given the social media frenzy, avocado enthusiasts might want to move quickly before these giants disappear faster than load shedding returns.

Whether it’s for an impressive guacamole spread, enough avo on toast to feed the family, or simply bragging rights amongst foodie friends, Avozilla is making waves in the produce aisle.

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