New grant enables industry association to develop new two-year programme of promotions in south-east Asia
Avocados Australia has been awarded A$200,000 in trade promotion funding through the Asean-Australia Centre’s 2024/25 grants programme, the organisation has confirmed.
The grant will be used over a two-year period to support export activities and strengthen regional trade and culinary engagement in the country’s south-east Asian markets.
It is understood the AAC received almost 300 grant applications, and that Avocados Australia was one of only ten recipients, as well as the only one in the agriculture sector.
In 2023/24, Australia produced 150,913 tonnes of avocados valued at AU$649mn, and exported 21,979 tonnes, or 14.6 per cent of the crop. That export volume represented a seven-fold increase in just three years.
South-east Asia is a priority export region for the Australian avocado industry, and already accounts for around 43 per cent of its total exports.
Destination markets in the area include Malaysia, which took 3,266 tonnes worth US$9.4mn in 2024, Singapore (4,373 tonnes valued at US$13.3mn), and Thailand (517 tonnes valued at US$1.75mn).
Market research undertaken as part of the Hort Innovation-funded Avocado Market Access and Trade Development project suggests demand for fresh avocados in south-east Asia is surging, driven by rising incomes, urbanisation, and a growing health-conscious consumer base.
The grant will be used in a variety of ways to support Australia’s avocado business, with a strong focus on education, training, and engagement with foodservice customers.
“The Asean-Australia Centre’s grant comes at a pivotal time,” ssaidays Avocados Australia CEO John Tyas. “We would like to thank the Asean-Australia Centre, as these funds will add value to Avocados Australia’s export programmes.”
Association chair Matt Kleyn said he believed using food as a way to engage with other markets was very important. “Food is culture, and a bridge to connect with cultures in our south-east Asian markets,” he commented. “This grant will fund initiatives that demonstrate how Australian avocados can integrate into local and international cuisines, driving long-term demand.”
