Surging Production and Exports for Australian Avocados

Published 2022년 5월 10일

Australia grew its production of avocados from 77.3K mt in 2020 to 110K mt in 2021. Avocado production is forecasted to keep increasing and reach 167.3K mt in 2026. As production has increased, exports are also increasing especially to Asian markets like Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

Australia produces avocados year-round, and the highest amount of fruit is available between March and November. Avocado orchards are located in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia, and Tasmania. Australia primarily grows two varieties, Hass and Shepard. In 2020, Australia ranked the 19th largest avocado-producing country globally, with a 0.96% market share.

Avocados have become one of the most popular fruits globally. Many regions, like Mexico and Italy, face lower production in2022 due to unfavorable weather, which has been a competitive advantage for Australia since the 2021/22 season faces a rise in avocado supply. In the 2020/21 season, avocado production in Australia faced an 11% drop in volume to 78.08K mt. Despite the decrease in volume, Australia faced a 13% increase in the export value for the 2020/21 season ending in June 2021 to USD 488.7 million.

2021 showed a massive production increase, from 77.3K mt in the 2020 calendar year to 110K mt in the 2021 calendar year. The massive increase in supply in the second semester created a drop in the price of Australian avocados from USD 2.20 to USD 0.73 per avocado. The price drop made Australia more competitive, increasing exports to Asian markets like Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Singapore. In 2020, Australia exported 3% of its avocado production, and in 2021, 4%.

Source: Washington Post, Independent UK

In the 2021/22 season, the Australian avocado industry will reach a peak due to the increasing production area over the past ten years, and production is forecasted to reach 167.3K mt in 2026. One of the avocado varieties that show the most potential is the Ecorganic Red Tip avocado because of its identifiable signature red wax tip. As of 2022, Ecorganic Red Tip avocados are being sold in the Australian market but are expected to be exported to the Asia Pacific region in 2023. Australian farmers are looking to increase their export volume and value, especially to Asian destinations. Japan is one of the markets with the most expansion potential for Australian avocado.