National production estimated to hit 171,163 tonnes within the next two years, up from 150,913 tonnes in 2023/24
The West Australian avocado harvest has begun with growers suggesting it could be another record-breaking season.
“We’re shaping up to have West Australia’s largest season on record,” Bendotti Avocados’ Trevor Bendotti told ABC News.
“The previous record was set two seasons ago and we’re well on track to smash that.”
It looks as though this production growth will be seen country wide as the national output is projected to hit 171,163 tonnes within the next two years, according to the ABC, up from the current 2023/24 record of 150,913 tonnes.
With production volumes on the rise, Bendotti said careful planning would be necessary.
“Growing and picking without proper planning will be detrimental to everyone,” he said.
“Managing the flow of fruit through the domestic market while increasing export opportunities becomes even more critical with the additional volumes we’re seeing.”
Industry leaders agree.
Avocados Australia WA director Brad Rodgers told the ABC that securing new market access would play a crucial role in avoiding domestic glut and maintaining industry growth as production volumes rise.
“We’re rewriting our national strategy plan and export will be a big focus,” he said. “We’re working hard to secure new market access, particularly to China.”
Western Australia already has trade access to Japan and Thailand for its Hass avocados, but with significant interest from China’s import trade and a growing demand among its consumers, the market offers great potential.
“We’ve done a lot of groundwork there as an industry,” Rodgers said. “We’ve signed MOUs [memorandum of understanding] with Shanghai markets worth around A$250mn in Australian avocados, which shows just how strong their interest is.”
Despite this interest, official access is still being negotiated.
