Avocados Australia has been awarded a $200,000 grant over two years through the ASEAN-Australia Centre's 2024–25 Grants Program. The funding will support export initiatives aimed at strengthening trade and culinary engagement in Southeast Asia.
The ASEAN-Australia Centre received nearly 300 applications for its grant program, which supports connections between Australia and Southeast Asia through creative industries, cultural exchange, and research. Avocados Australia was one of only 10 recipients and the sole organisation selected from the agriculture sector.
Australia is a significant producer of premium avocados. In the 2023/24 financial year, national production reached 150,913 tons, valued at AU $ 649 million. Of this total, 21,979 tons were exported—marking a seven-fold increase in export volume over the past three years and representing 14.56% of total national production.
Southeast Asia is a priority export region for the Australian avocado industry, accounting for approximately 43% of total exports. According to the Australian Avocado Exports and Imports 2024 report, key markets include Singapore, which imported 4,373 tons valued at US$13.3 million; Malaysia, with 3,266 tons worth US$9.4 million; and Thailand, with 517 tons worth US$1.75 million.
Market research conducted under the Hort Innovation-funded Avocado Market Access and Trade Development project (AV23003) highlights the growing demand for fresh avocados in Southeast Asia. This demand is driven by rising incomes, urbanization, and increasing health awareness among consumers. The grant will support efforts to expand the supply chain for Australian avocados into this region, with a strong focus on education, training, and food service engagement.
Avocados Australia's project aligns with the business and education priorities of the grant program. The funding will support training for stakeholders across the supply chain, including importers, distributors, retailers, and food service professionals. It will also engage the next generation of Southeast Asian chefs by introducing them to the sustainability, traceability, and quality of Australian avocados. Additionally, the initiative aims to use food as a cultural bridge to promote Australian avocados as a symbol of premium, sustainable produce and strengthen trade relationships in the region.
Avocados Australia CEO John Tyas welcomed the funding, noting that it comes at a pivotal time and will add significant value to the organisation's export programs. Chair Matt Kleyn emphasised the cultural dimension, stating that food is a powerful way to connect with Southeast Asian markets and that the grant will help demonstrate how Australian avocados can be integrated into local cuisines to drive long-term demand.
The Avocado Market Access and Trade Development project (2024–2029) is funded by Hort Innovation, using the avocado research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government.
© Avocados AustraliaFor more information:Anna Petrou
Avocados Australia
Tel: +61 0488 384 222
Email: co@avocado.org.au
www.avocado.org.au