Initiative promotes a nationwide petition calling for the dish to be formally declared Australia’s official breakfast
Australian Avocados has joined forces with cricket legend Merv Hughes to launch a nationwide petition urging the country to formally declare avocado toast Australia’s official breakfast.
The campaign notes that while some nations have official designations to celebrate their national dishes, Pad Thai in Thailand, Ceviche in Peru, Australia’s pioneering breakfast creation, continues to sit unrecognised.
Popularised in the early 90s by culinary icon Bill Granger, avocado toast has helped spark a worldwide brunch and cafe movement, synonymous with Australian culture. Historic records show avocado on toast or bread in Australia, dating back as early as 1929.
Avocados Australia has enlisted the cult hero of Australian cricket to channel his trademark passion to secure as many signatures as possible, capture the attention of the Australian Parliament, and earn a national endorsement.
The online petition seeks to spark a conversation about national dish recognition, and celebrating avocado toast’s role in cementing Australia as the home of breakfast. Beyond crowning a culinary classic, official national status also serves as a nationwide nod to the hardworking local growers behind every smashed avocado, who continue to supply fruit to kitchen tables and cafes across the country.
The campaign was launched in the streets of Fitzroy, with Hughes hitting the pavement to dole out fresh Australian avocados, shake hands, and gather petition signatures.
“The Scots have haggis, the Vietnamese have pho, but us Australians are too humble and too polite to brag about our greatest culinary achievement,” said Hughes.
”Avo toast isn’t just a meal, it’s an Aussie institution, and it’s time we get on the front foot to give it the official title it’s earned. Smashed or sliced, no breakfast is complete without the creamy goodness of avocado, on top of a good, warm, crusty sourdough.
“Beyond the brekky table, backing this petition is a direct way to support the local Aussie growers who work year-round to supply the delicious avocados that end up on our plates. I’m calling on every Aussie to sign up, get behind the cause, and let’s get our favourite brekky over the line.”
Lucy Philip, Australian Avocado grower, said: “Aussie growers put so much passion and hard work into producing fresh, high-quality avocados year-round. Seeing our fruit turned into Australia’s favourite morning meal is something we’re incredibly proud of. Giving Avo Toast official national status is a fantastic way to celebrate our local farming communities, and we’re thrilled to have Merv on-ground, driving support for Aussie growers”.
