Key issues in focus at World Avocado Congress

Change will be a constant theme running through the speaker programme at the World Avocado Congress, being held in New Zealand next April.

Jen Scoular, president of the World Avocado Congress committee and chief executive of NZ Avocado, said the event will highlight the global avocado industry’s ability to innovate and adapt.

“Adverse challenges have forced some uncomfortable questions but simultaneously created and encouraged a future ripe with opportunities,” Scoular explained.

“Productivity, fruit quality, post-harvest system, global supply chains and supply and demand have been fuelling conversations around the world and raising the question, how sustainable is the global industry across environment, people and economics.

“The World Avocado Congress represents a unique opportunity for members of the avocado community all around the globe to get together under one roof and collectively ask questions about the risks and opportunities that are currently facing the industry,” Scoular added.

The World Avocado Congress’ scientific and marketing organising committees are currently reviewing abstracts submitted by potential speakers.

Scoular said a wide range of topics will be discussed at the event, from breeding and genomics, to agri-tech innovation, pest and disease management, country reports, and sustainability.

These topics will be addressed by plenary sessions, keynote speakers, presentations and poster sessions.

“It is imperative that we connect with the very best avocado experts around the world and entice them to New Zealand to share their knowledge and expertise with participants at the congress,” said Phillip West, chair of the World Avocado Congress’ scientific committee.

Anna Livingston, chair of the event’s marketing committee, said the breadth of the abstracts received so far has been impressive.

Among the topics put forward are country reports on most avocado producing nations, a look at consumer habits in Korea, and a case study on the way avocados are being promoted to millennials in the US – the world’s largest avocado market.

“We have extended our networks to ensure we are able to share a picture of the industry as it is – but also to encourage discussion about our future as a global avocado industry. We need to be aware of supply and demand, now and over the next ten years, and understand where promotional activity is best placed, to motivate more consumers to enjoy the wonderful avocado.”

The World Avocado Congress takes place on 2-5 April 2023 in Auckland.