- Western Australian avocado exports increasing across the globe, with growing demand in Asia and the Middle East
- Exports reached $36.8 million in 2023-24, up more than 400 per cent from 2022-23
- Cook Government collaborating with industry to drive opportunities for WA's fastest growing fruit industry
Western Australian avocados are a smash hit in the global marketplace, with exports of the green and gold fruit surging in the past year.
Asia and the Middle East are driving increased demand for WA avocados, favoured for their desirable appearance, flavour, creamy texture, and quality on arrival.
This week the Cook Government will join Avocados Australia to host a trade delegation from India, Japan, Thailand and the Gulf region, as part of an inbound buyers mission to further grow the market.
The international buyers will participate in a business matching event, a retail tour and a visit to Market City in Perth before travelling to the South West.
In the South West, they will visit the Bunbury Farmers Market and meet avocado producers and packers in Donnybrook, Manjimup, Pemberton and Busselton.
The Cook Government is helping forge new trade opportunities for the State's fastest growing fruit industry, backed by a suite of promotional initiatives and business matching activities.
WA avocado exports in 2023-24 were $36.8 million, up more than 400 per cent from $7.1million in 2022-23.
Avocado shipments to Japan tripled in 2023-24 on the previous year, with 1044 tonnes exported worth $4.26 million.
During the same period, trade recommenced with Thailand under new protocols following a 10-year break, which saw 789 tonnes of WA avocados exported valued at $3.71 million.
Exports to the Gulf region also jumped significantly in 2023-24 in response to an acceptance of shipments by sea, resulting in 275 tonnes, worth more than $970,000, being sent to market.
Avocados are WA's highest value fruit industry, reaching record production of 65,000 tonnes in 2023-24, with supplies expected to build as more orchards come to full maturity in the next five years.
The Cook Government is also investing in research and development to optimise orchard production and improve fruit robustness during transit, alongside investments to reinforce the State's biosecurity status to support market access.
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"The Cook Labor Government is working alongside Avocados Australia and industry to establish Western Australia as a preferred supplier of high-quality fruit to customers at home, interstate and overseas.
"It is great to see demand for WA avocados continuing to build across Asia and the Middle East, adding to established markets in Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong and strong domestic sales.
"Our Government is investing in research and development and market development to help this industry grow and mature to achieve its full potential."
As stated by Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie:
"It's fantastic news for our local growers that avocado exports are booming.
"This trade mission will give international buyers the opportunity to experience the quality of WA's avocados firsthand.
"The Cook Labor Government is working hard to expand market opportunities for growers across the State, and I'm thrilled that our local producers will be the focus of this initiative to drive our exports further."
As stated by Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns:
"Increased market access for avocados is creating local jobs in the South West.
"It's exciting that international delegates will be in the region to see how this premium product is picked, packed and ripened before it is exported around the world.
"By developing trade partnerships, the Cook Labor Government is supporting economic diversification and local job creation."
