- WA avocados break into new overseas market
- Premium produce set to be distributed to retailers, hotels and restaurants in Thailand
- Cook Government supporting export opportunities for local avocado growers
The Cook Government is helping Western Australia's avocado industry flourish through an exciting new export opportunity.
More than eight tonnes of Hass avocados from our South West region have now been airfreighted to Bangkok, ready to be distributed to retailers, hotels and restaurants.
The first shipment of WA avocados to Thailand was given the green light earlier this week.
There is growing demand for our premium avocados in Asia, with export markets already established in Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong, while back home the fruit remains a household favourite.
The WA Government has worked closely with industry to break into the Thai market through international trade missions and exhibitions, alongside the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
Our Government also continues to support important WA research to improve fruit quality as well as strict measures to maintain the State's enviable biosecurity status, which allows us to export fruit to destinations others can't.
Avocados are one of WA's best-selling fruits, with the industry currently valued at $106.9 million and growth projected to increase to more than 50,000 tonnes per annum over the next two years.
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"WA is renowned for its mining exports, but our state is also an agricultural powerhouse and the avocado industry is booming, with growing demand for our premium product both overseas and here at home.
"Our Government is working closely with industry, to establish WA as the number one international avocado exporter.
"I look forward to seeing the export market for WA avocados continuing to grow, as customers around the world get to enjoy our green and gold fruit as much as I do."
As stated by Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie:
"This is great news for our South West growers and WA's growing avocado industry.
"Asia is a key customer and the Cook Government is working with supply chain partners - from the orchard to the retailer to establish WA as a preferred supplier of consistent and quality fruit.
"Our South West avocados are sure to be the toast of Thailand."
