They are a staple of breakfast plates across the country but international buyers say West Australian avocadoes are being put to significantly different uses overseas.
A recent trade mission saw overseas retailers and importers visit the state’s South West to explore the work of local farmers and suppliers.
Last financial year, Western Australia produced a record volume of more than 65,000 tonnes of avocados, representing 44 per cent of the total volume grown in Australia.
Among the 15 visitors on the Inbound Trade Mission was Saurabh Raina, a representative of India’s largest retailer.
“India is new market for Australian avocados. I think the customer recall has been fantastic but there’s a lot more that needs to be done to understand the market,” Mr Raina said.
“That’s why we are here in WA to understand your supply chain better.”
Saurabh Raina represents one of India’s retail giants. (ABC South West: Kate Forrester)
Mr Raina said since the free trade deal between Australia and India began, a lot of time had gone into educating consumers about the product.
“It’s a very versatile product, you can make it sweet, a little bit spicy, that’s good for the Indian palette,” he said.
“Indians are mixing milk with a little avocado, putting some toppings on and making milkshakes.”
Avocados Australia and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development hosted the trade mission. (ABC South West: Kate Forrester)
A focus on WA avos
The Indian retailer was among importers from Thailand, Japan and the Middle East who visited producers and packers in Donnybrook, Manjimup, Pemberton and Busselton.
According to Avocados Australia, market access in Thailand and India has increased over the past 18 months, while exports to Japan were up by 226 per cent last financial year.
West Australian director for Avocados Australia Brad Rogers said the trade mission was a way of continuing that export growth.
WA produced 65,000 tonnes of avocados last financial year. (ABC South West: Kate Forrester)
“Like all successful agricultural ventures in Australia we are on an export journey, we’ve come from exporting a small amount,” Mr Rogers said.
A grower himself, he said the visit was an opportunity to teach the guests about the current season and potential opportunities.
“Typically harvest here in the South West is later, but this year because of the warmer-than-average winter and previous hot summer, being able to harvest earlier presents opportunity,” Mr Rogers said.
“It allows businesses more time to market better and giving our customers quality supply over a longer period.”
The state government says it is investing in research and development to help the industry grow and mature. (ABC South West: Kate Forrester)
A collective journey
The Avocado Collective represents more than 80 growers across WA.
Collective spokesman Wayne Robinson said the temperature and climate in the South West made avocados ideal for export.
“I think our growing region is robust, one of the only ones in the world where the fruit is on the tree while harvest happens,” he said.
“Due to that, we see those really nutty, rich flavours and robust avocados that are perfect for export.”
Wayne Robinson led the group around the South West packing facilities. (ABC South West: Kate Forrester)
Mr Robinson said because of the rapid growth of the industry in the past few years, they were looking at expansion plans.
“Last year we packed just shy of 3.2 million trays with a forecast for next year of 6 million trays,” he said.
“We are looking at an expansion within our facility to be able to keep up with that rapid growth.”
