Export growth and domestic demand are creating new opportunities for the Australian avocado industry. Avocados Australia chief executive John Tyas said domestic production is forecast to reach 150,000 tonnes in 2026, a volume similar to recent years. He noted that domestic consumption had doubled in the past decade and could potentially double again in the next ten years.
China has been identified as the next major export destination. "Their consumption is about 70,000 tonnes that they import at the moment, and it's only set to increase," Tyas said. "They're struggling to find a supplier of good-quality product, and they're desperate to get their hands on Australian fruit."
Negotiations around phytosanitary biosecurity protocols between Australia and China remain the key step before trade can begin. "What we don't have is the phytosanitary protocols that need to be negotiated between the Australian and Chinese government, and we're keen to see that happen as soon as possible," Tyas said.
At present, the main export markets for Australian avocados are Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong, where the industry holds 75 to 85% market share. Although these are relatively small markets, Tyas said they show growth potential.
International interest has strengthened the industry's confidence in demand from China. "Last year, we signed a pre-purchase agreement with the Shanghai [Huizhan] Markets to import $300 million worth of Australian avocados, which was their commitment," Tyas said. "They're keen to actually increase that, so there's no doubt that there's an enormous appetite and enormous potential in China. We just need to get that market access."
Avocados Australia has set a target for 35% of the national crop to be exported. Current export volumes are closer to 15%.
In north Queensland, particularly the Atherton Tablelands, growers see opportunities due to proximity to export markets. Farmer Lawrence Massasso said expanding market access will be important. "We're hoping that if we continue to open up export markets, the opportunities for growers [are] going to continue to grow," he said.
Massasso emphasized the importance of product quality. "We know that when a consumer gets a bad eating experience, they go off avocados for a week or two. In the situation we're in now, that we have an abundant supply every week, we want people to get a good avocado every week and continue to buy food every week."
The industry aims to move around 500,000 trays per week, with a balance between supply and demand. "Growers feel that we've done the worst of the tough seasons," Massasso said.
Source: ABC News
