Three decades ago, an avocado tree on a Queensland farm in Palmwoods, initiated by Ken Spackman, led to the unexpected birth of Jala avocados. These avocados, notable for their substantial size, approximately 1.2kg each, and enhanced shelf life due to slow oxidation rates, have generated interest within the high-tech greenhouse sector. The Jala variety, described as having a superior taste profile, is set to be distributed nationally by Paige Fleming's Nursery in March 2025.
The Spackman family, with a farming history dating back to 1906 in Palmwoods, has witnessed the evolution of the Jala avocado from a single tree to a brand developed by Lorna Spackman. The unique characteristics of the Jala avocado, including its exceptional size, flavor, and texture, emerged from a seedling that was one of four to germinate from the original tree. The cultivation process involved grafting saplings onto bloodwood to expedite growth, a technique that contributed to the Jala's rapid fruiting and resilience.
Fleming's Nursery, leveraging its expertise in horticultural innovation, has played a pivotal role in bringing the Jala avocado to market. With a comprehensive testing process, Fleming's identified the Jala as a standout variety among thousands, highlighting its market potential due to its weight, taste, and reduced browning post-cutting. Despite challenges related to the skin's appearance affecting shelf appeal, the Jala avocado has attracted global interest and secured the Best New Product award at the 2024 Greenlife/Nursery & Garden Industry awards.
As the avocado industry continues to expand, with Australia's production primarily in Western Australia and Queensland, and a forecasted 20% growth in the 2023-24 crop, the introduction of the Jala avocado represents a notable development. The variety's unique attributes align with the increasing demand for avocados, which are projected to become the world's most traded tropical fruit by 2030. The Jala avocado's journey from a serendipitous discovery to a commercially viable product underscores the dynamic nature of agricultural innovation and the potential for new varieties to influence market trends.
Source: The Guardian