Avocados Australia Limited is the national peak industry body representing Australian avocado growers, packers, wholesalers, and exporters. Headquartered in Rocklea, Queensland, the organization plays a central role in the sustainable development of the avocado industry through research facilitation, market development, supply chain innovation, and grower engagement.
Organization Overview
As a not-for-profit member-based company, Avocados Australia advocates on behalf of all industry participants to improve profitability, competitiveness, and international market access. The association supports over 1,500 commercial avocado growers and coordinates national strategies in biosecurity, export readiness, and consumer marketing under the “Australian Avocados” brand.
Avocados Australia receives funding through industry levies, government grants, and commercial partnerships. It collaborates with Hort Innovation, DAFF (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry), and regional grower groups to advance strategic objectives across the entire value chain.
Australian Avocado Industry Snapshot
- Total Production (2022–23): Approx. 124,000 tonnes
- Farmgate Value: AUD 511 million
- Export Volume: 12,400 tonnes
- Number of Orchards: 1,500+ registered commercial growers
- Average Domestic Consumption: 4.5 kg per capita per year
- Top Producing Regions:
- Central Queensland (36%)
- North Queensland (20%)
- Western Australia (17%)
- Northern Rivers, NSW (14%)
- South Australia & Tasmania (combined 13%)
Core Programs and Services
1. Industry Communications
- Talking Avocados: Quarterly print and digital magazine
- Guacamole Newsletter: Weekly e-newsletter with industry updates
- Best Practice Resource (BPR): A secure online platform offering growers and supply chain members:
- Canopy management tools
- Nutritional guides
- Maturity standards and QA procedures
- Market access protocols
2. Export Development
- Maintains Australia’s Avocado Export Strategy
- Curates an Exporter Directory for global buyers
- Distributes the Avocados Australia Export Pitch Pack showcasing capabilities to importers
- Engages in international trade shows (e.g., Gulfood, Asia Fruit Logistica)
- Works with DAFF and Hort Innovation on protocol negotiation and trade support
3. Biosecurity & Quality Programs
- Member of Plant Health Australia
- Coordinates industry response to pest incursions (e.g., Fruit Spotting Bug, Avocado Lace Bug)
- Oversees the ANVAS (Avocado Nursery Voluntary Accreditation Scheme):
- Ensures disease-free nursery plant material
- Promotes orchard productivity and varietal integrity
4. Data & Market Intelligence
- Publishes Infocado Reports:
- Weekly crop forecasting
- Regional dispatch data
- Tree census and planting forecasts
- Tracks supply and demand trends to support pricing, logistics, and marketing decisions
5. Supply Chain Education
- Provides training resources for ripening, storage, and handling
- Promotes adoption of the Kangaroo Industry Label for Australian avocados in export markets
- Develops video-based resources and multilingual guides
Export Market Performance
- Export Growth: 53% increase in exports over the past five years
- Top Destinations:
- Singapore
- Malaysia
- Hong Kong
- India
- Thailand
- Japan
- Key Export Protocols:
- Cold chain maintenance and maturity compliance
- Phytosanitary certificates and MRL compliance
- Market-specific traceability standards
Strategic Collaborations
- Hort Innovation – Marketing and research project funding
- DAFF – Market access protocols and trade negotiations
- Plant Health Australia – Biosecurity and emergency response
- Australian Avocado Nurserymen’s Group – Nursery accreditation and propagation guidelines
- Grower Associations – Regional representation and feedback loops
Certifications and Compliance
- ANVAS Certification – Accredited nurseries for clean planting stock
- Freshcare and HARPS Alignment – Grower-level food safety and quality assurance
- DAFF Export Registered – For eligible export supply chain participants
- GlobalG.A.P. Compatibility – Many members certified for global trade
Marketing Campaigns and Branding
- National marketing conducted under the “Australian Avocados” brand
- Features campaigns such as:
- “Our Green Gold” (2022–23 TV, digital, and social)
- “Smash an Avo, Not Your Budget” (value-driven messaging)
- Retail and foodservice activations with major Australian supermarket chains
- International campaigns using the Kangaroo Label and FernMark for origin assurance
Leadership
- Louise Dunker, Communications Manager, leads external engagement, media, and grower communications
- Executive management team works alongside an industry board composed of grower representatives and stakeholders
Publications and Tools
- Talking Avocados Magazine
- Weekly Infocado Reports
- Annual Tree Census
- Market Access Protocol Summaries
- Best Practice Resource (BPR) Platform
Key Achievements
- Developed first full digital traceability project linking orchard-to-retail across domestic and export supply chains
- Partnered with the Indian import sector to establish year-round education and retail campaigns
- Expanded the ANVAS nursery accreditation program by 25% between 2020 and 2023
- Delivered consumer engagement to over 4.2 million Australians through national campaigns in 2022–23
Summary
Avocados Australia Limited is the cornerstone of Australia’s avocado industry, providing strategic leadership across production, export, and supply chain innovation. By supporting growers with market intelligence, export tools, biosecurity frameworks, and national marketing, the organization ensures continued growth and global competitiveness. As demand for avocados accelerates worldwide, Avocados Australia remains a trusted voice and enabler of long-term industry resilience.
