Australian Avocado Growers Target India, Thailand, and Japan as Key Emerging Markets

Western Australia produces 65,000 tonnes of avocados, attracting international buyers. A recent trade mission explored versatile uses in India, Japan, and Thailand, enhancing export opportunities and industry growth.

Key Points

• A recent trade mission to West Australia attracted international retailers and importers, exploring the region’s avocado production, which reached 65,000 tonnes last financial year, accounting for 44% of Australia’s total output. Participants aimed to understand the supply chain better, particularly for markets like India that are experiencing increased consumer interest post free trade agreements.
• Saurabh Raina from India’s largest retailer highlighted the need for consumer education, stating that avocados can be adapted for Indian tastes, such as being blended into milkshakes. The mission also included representatives from Thailand, Japan, and the Middle East, indicating a growing interest in West Australian avocados’ export potential.
• The Avocado Collective, representing over 80 growers, emphasizes the South West’s favorable climate for producing high-quality avocados. With rapid industry growth, they plan to increase production from 3.2 million trays to 6 million, supported by state government investments in research and development to enhance market capacity.

West Australian avocados have gained international recognition, as evidenced by a recent trade mission where overseas retailers explored the state’s avocado industry. For the last financial year, Western Australia achieved a remarkable production milestone, yielding over 65,000 tonnes of avocados, which accounts for 44% of Australia’s overall output. This influx of avocados has paved the way for new market opportunities, particularly in India, where representatives, like Saurabh Raina from a leading Indian retailer, have shown significant interest.

Raina emphasized the importance of understanding the local supply chain and consumer perceptions in order to effectively penetrate this burgeoning market. With the introduction of a free trade agreement between Australia and India, efforts to educate Indian consumers about the versatility of avocados have intensified. Raina noted unique applications, such as blending avocados with milk to create appealing milkshakes that cater to Indian tastes, thereby increasing the fruit’s domestic footprint.

The trade mission included visitors from Thailand, Japan, and the Middle East, highlighting expanding market access and substantial increases in avocado exports in recent months—particularly with Japan witnessing a staggering 226% growth. Brad Rodgers, the West Australian director of Avocados Australia, underlined the mission’s role in fostering export growth, advocating for a richer marketing strategy through early harvesting influenced by warmer weather patterns.

Furthermore, the Avocado Collective, which comprises over 80 local growers, sees potential for expansion based on favorable climatic conditions that yield high-quality fruit with distinct flavors. With projections indicating a growth from 3.2 million trays to 6 million trays, the avocado industry in Western Australia is poised for significant development, supported by state investment in research and infrastructure.

Source : Avocado producers say India, Thailand, Japan the next big growth markets