Applied Horticultural Research to lead benchmarking initiative in Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur
Australian avocado growers and exporters will soon have access to new tools set to support the delivery of consistently premium fruit to key export markets.
The new project, delivered in collaboration with Applied Horticultural Research (AHR), Avocados Australia and funded by Hort Innovation, will benchmark avocado quality on retail shelves in Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur, with weekly monitoring of fruit quality for two years.
By linking the results to supply chain data, the project will pinpoint causes of damage and provide actionable feedback to growers and exporters.
Australian avocado exports doubled from 2022/23 to 2023/24, according to the Hort Stats Handbook, highlighting the industry’s rapid growth and the need to maintain high quality as exports surge.
Brett Fifield, Hort Innovation CEO, said delivering a premium eating experience was the key to building demand for Australian avocados in competitive export markets.
“This project gives our industry the tools to measure, benchmark and improve fruit quality at the point of sale, helping growers and exporters make informed decisions, strengthen relationships with international retailers, and build trust with consumers overseas,” he added.
John Tyas, Avocados Australia’s CEO, said the project demonstrates the Australian industry’s level of commitment to international partners. “Ensuring that the industry can supply quality avocados all year round is one of our key global commitments and this R&D investment demonstrates how serious we are about this commitment,” he said.
Competitor fruit from countries such as Mexico, Peru, Chile, Kenya, and the US will also be benchmarked to provide valuable insights into how Australian avocados stack up on quality, price, and shelf performance in Asia’s leading markets.
Adam Goldwater, project lead and general manager at AHR, said: “Through real-time data collection, we’re giving Australian growers and exporters unprecedented visibility into how their fruit performs in-market. This approach not only helps identify and address quality issues quickly but also supports continuous improvement and innovation across the supply chain. Ultimately, it’s about ensuring Australian avocados are recognised for their quality and reliability, wherever they’re sold.”
