Riverking, a prominent Chinese avocado importer, is set to take part in a trade visit to Queensland from 25 to 26 June. Riverking's avocado procurement leaders will visit some of Queensland's leading avocado growers, packers and exporters located in and around Bundaberg. Some of the visits planned will be to Simpson Farms, Costa Group and Donovan Avocados. The aim of the visit is to learn about Australia's production practices and further build strategic alliances with stakeholders involved in the Australian avocado industry.
Riverking are an innovative fruit importer and last year they completed their build of new avocado ripening facilities in Shanghai to support the accelerating growth of avocados in China. China has just surpassed Japan as the largest avocado importer in Asia.
The visit will be organised by Avocados Australia in collaboration with the Queensland Department of Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, and Trade and Investment Queensland. Riverking delegates will have the opportunity to participate in important discussions with representatives from these organisations.
Riverking previously toured Western Australian avocado growers' orchards and packhouses late last year and met with Western Australian Agriculture Minister Jackie Jarvis. This time they are focussed on the eastern coast. According to Avocados Australia's "Facts At A Glance" Report, Queensland continues to produce the majority of Australian avocados with 65% of production coming from that state in 2022-23.
Given the growth expected over the next few years, gaining access to China is a critically important outcome for industry.
Avocados Australia's CEO, John Tyas, sees this as a special opportunity to show the industry as leading providers of quality avocados demonstrating a commitment to best practices and service delivery. "Avocados Australia has made it a priority to increase Australian avocado exports and I believe this visit by Riverking paves the way for further engagement with our key Chinese stakeholders," he said. "Avocados Australia is building a strong and enduring relationship with Riverking. We met with Riverking's President and executive team at their Shanghai Head Quarters in 2023 and they attended a special Memorandum of Understanding Signing Ceremony between Avocados Australia and the China Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Association in the same year."
The Australian avocado industry is growing rapidly. Australia produced just over 115,385 tonnes of avocados in 2022/23 and Australian production is forecast to increase strongly over the next few years to approximately 170,000 tonnes by 2026. In line with this production growth, Australian growers are committed to opening up new overseas markets such as China. Increased exports will be critical for the future viability of the Australian avocado industry.
For more information: 
Anna Petrou
Avocados Australia Limited
Tel.: +61 0488 384 222
Email: [email protected]
www.avocado.org.au