As country’s production increases, export sales have risen sevenfold. But more must be done to sustain that growth, says trade body
Australia’s avocado industry must continue this season’s sales growth in its export and domestic markets, says the leader of trade body Avocados Australia.
The country exported more of the fruit over the past season and also sold more on its domestic market, according to new figures published by the group.
Notably, the value of those exports increased by 63 per cent to A$96.1mn (US$63mn), it revealed.
However, despite significant percentage growth in exports over the past few years, the country still only sells less than 15 per cent of its total production overseas.
Avocados Australia CEO John Tyas said the industry had to do everything it can to increase exports further and break into new markets.
“Over the last three years, the total export volume has increased by around 600 per cent to 21,979 tonnes, but more work still needs to be done,” he commented.
“The [volume] exported in 2023/24 represents 14.56 per cent of the total volume produced in Australia and we are definitely looking to further increase that figure.”
Australian avocados are highly regarded by consumers in overseas markets, Tyas noted. “They offer a quality, healthy and delicious option, so this knowledge will help us in further developing these markets.”
In 2023/24, production volume was up 30 per cent to 150,913 tonnes compared with 115,385 tonnes in 2022/23.
According to Avocados Australia, the gross value of that production was 13 per cent higher at A$649mn (US$425.8mn) against A$574mn (US$376.6mn) in the previous campaign.
Western Australia and Queensland remain the country’s largest avocado producers, accounting for 44 per cent (65,000 tonnes) and 42 per cent (62,000 tonnes) of the national crop respectively.
In Australia itself, consumption increased in 2023/24 to 4.94kg per person, a figure that has grown by 25 per cent in three years.
“Australian avocado growers are committed to supplying avocados both domestically and internationally
and they are always striving to grow quality avocados that provide a healthy and safe product for all
consumers,” Tyas added.
