Successful trial shipments confirm market access for Australian Hass avocados
India approved market access for Australian Hass avocados in November 2023, subject to Australia completing ten successful trial shipments.
Following the success of these trials, multinational avocado grower-supplier Westfalia Fruit has confirmed its first commercial shipment of Australian avocados into India.
Westfalia Fruit is working with Western Australia’s, Delroy Orchards, to bring Australian avocados into India. According to Westfalia, Western Australia fits well into the Indian avocado imports calendar with fruit available November to March complementing African import programs from April to November.
Westfalia Fruit commenced commercial imports and distribution of avocados through the Indian subsidiary in 2022 and has since seen its first commercial harvest of Indian-grown Hass avocados. The company also works closely with major national retail chains and e-commerce companies to develop awareness for avocados in India. These marketing efforts include an avocado ripening centre which allows the company to tackle ripeness challenges by supplying avocados that are ready to eat.
Zac Bard, Westfalia Fruit group business development executive, said Westfalia Fruit has established itself as the market leader in India and the country’s largest importer of avocados across origins including Tanzania, Peru, Chile, New Zealand and now Australia.
Ajay TG, general manager at Westfalia Fruit India agreed, adding that Australian avocados will play a key part in offering year-round availability to the Indian market.
“Westfalia Fruit has well established working relations with all major retailers and wholesalers across the country,” he said.
“Sea shipments from Western Australia will play a key role in fulfilling the growing demand for avocados over the next three months.”
