Are Your Strobilurin Fungicides Effective Against Anthracnose?

Strobilurin-resistant strains of Colletotrichum have been detected in avocado orchards, raising concerns about the continued effectiveness of strobilurin (Group 11) fungicides, such as azoxystrobin (for example, Amistar, Agristar, Stellar or others). As these fungicides are a key component of an integrated anthracnose management program, it’s crucial to ensure they are still providing effective control on your farm.

Have you tested the effectiveness of strobilurin fungicides on your farm?

Resistance testing is essential for managing resistance and ensuring that your investment in spraying is delivering results. Below is a simple method to assess whether strobilurin fungicides are effective against anthracnose when applied before harvest:

1. Select and tag trees: Choose several trees or 1-2 rows in each block that have fruit at commercial maturity.
2. Apply fungicide: Spray the selected trees or rows with a strobilurin fungicide.
3. Harvest fruit: 1-2 weeks later, harvest at least 1-2 trays of fruit from both the sprayed and unsprayed trees. Keep the fruit from each group in separate, clearly labelled trays. Ensure the fruit is taken from all sides of the canopy.
4. Incubate fruit: Store the trays in a warm, humid environment to ripen. You can place the trays inside loosely tied garbage bags to create this environment.
5. Evaluate disease development: Once the fruit is ripe — or slightly overripe — check for anthracnose symptoms. In the case of Hass avocados, you may need to cut and peel the fruit to observe any signs of disease.
6. Interpret the results:

  • Similar disease levels in both groups: If the disease level is comparable in both the strobilurin-sprayed and unsprayed fruit, it’s likely that the Colletotrichum in your orchard is resistant to the fungicide, and continuing to use these sprays may not be worthwhile. In such cases, consider switching to systemic fungicides like Score® and/or Switch®.
  • Minimal disease in both groups: This may indicate that you have an effective protectant spray program in place, are dealing with early-season fruit (which usually has less disease), or that disease pressure is currently low due to unfavourable conditions for fungal infection and disease development.

This protocol was developed by Liz Dann from the University of Queensland. For more detailed information on a revised orchard fungicide program for managing anthracnose in avocados, you can access the full paper here.

Information in this article is most relevant in North Queensland and Central Queensland growers given their known resistance issues. Although growers in Tristate and Western Australia have historically applied fewer strobilurin sprays, we know there are low levels of resistance in Colletotrichum in WA, and periodic rotation with the new chemistry available on permit will ensure the longevity of all fungicides in the future.

This article appeared as part of the 6 Sept 2024 issue of Guacamole, AAL’s enewsletter.

Early season Hass showing good robustness under storage challenges

As part of the Monitoring avocado supply chain quality (AV22011) project the monitoring of Queensland avocado domestic consignments is underway and will continue as the season progresses. Samples are being collected from wholesalers and ripening distribution centres, and assessed following a normal commercial ripening program (Standard sample), as well as following a 14-day storage challenge (Challenge sample). Results from this monitoring are presented to the supplying pack house, and used to evaluate fruit quality under normal supply conditions, as well as under the upper limit of best practice ‘time in the supply chain’ conditions.

To recap – two (2) avocado tray samples are taken from each consignment to measure quality and fruit robustness.  Both standard and challenge trays undergo an external quality assessment at collection. The first sample tray (standard) is collected after commercial ripening, kept at 20oC until med-soft ripe when it is assessed for internal defects. The second sample tray (challenge) undergoes a challenge fruit quality assessment, where fruit are stored for 14 days under recommended storage conditions. Fruit are then commercially ripened, kept at 20oC until med-soft ripe when it is assessed for internal defects.

A total of 12 Hass consignments from Queensland have been assessed between May and June this year. Overall, 9 out of 12 (75%) challenge samples (orange bars) have achieved  >90% acceptable fruit (<10% defects). This demonstrates that the majority of consignments had consistent fruit quality and good fruit robustness. Five of the 12 paired samples showed no decline in acceptability as a result of the additional 14-day storage challenge, with these reports providing important traceable feedback for packers and their suppliers on the robustness of these batches of fruit.

 

Average acceptability of the Hass challenge samples assessed from May to June was 89.9%. The average decrease in acceptability between the standard and challenge samples was 4.8%, noting that in the consignments where decreased acceptability was reported, the range of drops in acceptability was from -4% to -30%. No flesh discolouration affecting >10% flesh has been reported in Queensland Hass in 2024 to date. Total rot (>10% flesh affected) was the main defect in challenge samples, rising from 5% in standard samples, to 8% with the additional 14 days cool storage. Under 1% of both standard and challenge samples had bruising (>10% flesh affected)

The average fruit age of standard samples was 14 days and challenge samples was 26 days. A range of Standard sample ripening treatments and collection temperatures have been reported for the consignments sampled (refer below).

Monitoring of Queensland avocado consignments will continue as the season progresses and timely updates on quality will be provided. Key resources available to assist in identifying opportunities for quality improvements relating to monitoring reports from industry and customers include the Avocado Fruit Quality Problem Solver, the Australian Avocado Supply Chain Best Practice Guide, the Traceback Self Assessment guide and the Avocado Problem Solver Field Guide.

For further information on supply chain monitoring results, contact John Agnew from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (john.agnew@daf.qld.gov.au) or Anne Larard (idm@avocado.org.au) from Avocados Australia.

This article appeared as part of the 9 August 2024 issue of Guacamole, AAL’s enewsletter.

Food Service Program activation to grow category, boost consumption

Hort Innovation Marketing team and delivery partner Papaya are developing a Food Service communications and content strategy to drive category growth in the sector and increase Australian Avocado usage and adoption within priority outlets Quick Service Restaurants (QSR), Restaurants and Cafes, Pubs and Clubs. The strategy builds on a prior market research program conducted by FreshLogic providing insights into the foodservice sector and the role of providores. The Hort Innovation Marketing team and Papaya will engage with a PRG at the beginning of August to share the strategy.

This year for National Avocado Day on 31 July, there will be three Food Service activations, 1) an Australian Avocado Fiesta at Sydney’s leading Mexican restaurant Mejico (see the above photo showing the menu), 2) an Avocado market tour and avocado usage demonstration at Sydney Markets and 3) a morning TV segment with Sunrise featuring an Australian Avocado grower and a leading chef.

Launching at Sydney’s leading Mexican restaurant, Mejico are hosting an Australian Avocado Fiesta with dishes and cocktails featuring avocados in ways you’ve never experienced before. Embracing avocados throughout, the menu highlights different usage occasions for avocados and stretches perceptions of how avocados can complement a range of flavours in food and cocktails. This campaign will be supported by earned media and pitched out to key trade and food publications loved by foodservice operators.

Sydney Direct Fresh are hosting a market tour at Sydney Markets with a focus on Australian Avocados to celebrate National Avocado Day, inviting 30 of their Sydney chef customers. As part of the tour, Australian Avocado grower Josh McMillan from McMillan Farming will join to talk to the chefs about the provenance of Australian Avocados and share the grower story, taking the chefs on the journey of an avocado from the field to their kitchens. Following the tour, Jamie Gannon (Group Executive Chef of Laundy Hotels) and Christy (Head Chef Mejico) will showcase avocado usage, and both create their own guacamole for chefs to watch and taste.

Lastly, Executive Chef from Sam Prince Hospitality Group, Amada Fuller and Australian avocado grower Michael Coulson will be live on Australia’s most watched morning show, Sunrise. To celebrate National Avocado Day, Amanda Fuller will make Mejico’s table-side guacamole (one of the items on Australian Avocado Fiesta menu) while grower Michael Coulson from Coolio Farms will talk about his experience growing avocados.

This article appeared as part of the 26 July 2024 issue of Guacamole, AAL’s enewsletter.

Keeping exports on track – a priority for industry

It is expected that domestic market prices will be higher over the next 6 months.  Will the expected increase in the domestic price of avocados prompt marketers to divert volume from their export programs? Keeping exports going, even now, is important if the industry’s export programs are going to be successful into the future.

Avocados Australia spoke with two key export stakeholders, Antony Allen (AA) from The Avolution and Josh Franceschi (JF) from The Avocado Collective, to hear their perspectives. Here is the result of our recent Q&A session:


Question: How do you anticipate the expected increase in domestic prices to impact your export program?

AA: “The Export program will continue it just lightens or lessens depending on what’s happening with other supply countries. It really then depends on what the dynamics are across the planet.”

“So into Asia, Mexico and Peru are the main competitors. If they have a bigger crop or their other market’s are soft in terms of pricing then more of their fruit will move into Asian markets.”

“That then creates pressure on us in terms of pricing, or access to lesser sales. Our sales will drop off.”

There will always be demand for some Australian fruit in those markets, even at higher prices, and in the past 10 years Australian fruit has been sold at $40 per tray into some of those markets, but when you are talking about $40 it’s obviously the ultra-premium sales or supermarkets, or food service operators that will take that fruit. The balance flips to the cheaper fruit. That’s essentially what will happen.

“Going into this lighter summer we are going to see sales continue but it is likely to be a lesser volume. That price pressure brings us to a lower volume point.”

“We always want to stay in the mix in these markets, so that we don’t have to fight to get back in.”

“It’s very important to keep a crack in the door open, so we have an opportunity to open the door further when we have a higher volume.”

“That means there is a need for growers and marketers to understand that you also need to be thinking about twelve months’ time.”

“You don’t want to be a spot seller.”

“We are careful to make sure that everyone understands that we need to stay in that market.”

“We don’t want them to think we are an unreliable partner.”

“It’s about communication and keeping export partners informed.”

JF: “With any kind of lighter season there will be less supply in total. Our export volumes last season didn’t ramp up until December, so we had big export volumes through December, January and a bit into February.”

“This season we expect domestic price to be in line with export price for the first few months of the Western Australian season so from a comparative point of view we will be looking to use our export markets to leverage up our domestic market.”

“Our total export volumes in general will be down, last season we put through close to a million trays of export on a 3.5 million tray season and this season I’m expecting it to be potentially half of that, or a touch more than half.”

“We’ve got a really heavy focus on our protocol markets in Japan and Thailand early, to take early volume out of domestic market systems.”

“There will be plenty of focus on Japan and Thailand so we can build those markets over time.”

“Exporting is definitely a focus of our business.”

“It will be interesting to see what happens with Shepard in terms of their volume and programming, there’s the suggestion they will have a lighter season. That could also impact our plans in playing its role to make sure we supply volume through February and March.”

Question: From your perspective, how critical are export markets in the medium to long term for the Australian avocado industry?

AA:  “In the medium to long term, exports for the Australian avocado industry are fundamental.”

“There is no choice. We need to have around 40% of our volume going to export and that will allow our domestic market to stay healthy and functional and give us the ability to grow markets. And supply markets with quality product as they develop, such as markets that are not used to having a lot of avocados in their diets.”

“So we need to have a base level in terms of supplying those markets and that means getting to around 40% of our crop exported is fundamental for us in terms of our growth profile and a good balance in terms of production. It gives us a much more flexible customer base.”

Question: There is the issue of irregular bearing, this year we will have a lighter crop and next year most likely a larger crop, so what steps should growers and exporters do now to plan for this year and next year?

AA: “Essentially for this year it’s all about making sure we are in the mix, supplying our export markets. It’s about making sure the space is still available for us when we have the extra crop that we need to move into those markets to remain viable.”

“It’s about balancing it out over those two seasons to understand that it is not an instantaneous model. You have to look at it over the long term.”

“Some of those export markets will always pay a lot more money than the domestic market and that’s more about those markets developing and how much money they have to spend on good quality product.”

“As long as we can continue to supply quality product, comparative to the rest of the world, we will always have a premium position at the top end. The key from our grower perspective, is to make sure we still remain focussed on a good quality product that is going to compete in that quality zone.”   

“We can’t go to the lowest common denominator, we will never be the cheapest producer, but we can certainly always be the best quality producer.”

“We are not competing on price, as such, we are competing on quality and our ability to supply all year round.”

Question: Based on your experience with years of exporting what recommendations do you have for the industry, growers and exporters, for having a stable and profitable market in the coming years?

AA: “It’s about crawling, walking and running. It’s about starting evenly and not rushing into something. Making sure we understand those markets and then grow with those markets as we go. We have got to have a quality product to start with. It’s not an instantaneous opportunity, it’s got to be over a medium long-term approach. In that way export becomes a very stable, very successful model.”

“Larger markets create the opportunity of being the equivalent of the domestic market in one instant. A Singapore is the same as having a Melbourne. That’s how we look at it. It’s just exactly the same but like having another market and you compare it and supply it with what it is looking to use.”

“When you look to the bigger markets like India and China it’s about understanding that those markets have the potential like a tenfold of the Australian market, but you need to first think of them like Adelaide.”

“They’re small, easy to crash, easy to create drama in, if we don’t approach them in a sensible and considered way and have that approach that allows us to learn as well. Not everything will be perfect in the first instance. It’s also about teaching them as well. Their [importers] expectations need to be managed as well.”

“Each market is different, and the way the Japanese market has evolved and developed will be different to how the Indian market will develop and evolve.”

“It takes time. Nothing is instantaneous.”

“The domestic market has never been instantaneous either, but because we are in it, we all forget it’s been a thirty-year development. It’s just easier, it’s closer, we are more easily able to react and change things, whereas the export markets are a slow burn.”

“It’s taken us four years for one supermarket to take fruit directly in one market. That is something you don’t give up on, if that was in Australia you’d go to someone else but in export markets once you are in, you are in. That’s the different approach to business in Asian markets.”  

“If you are in there is something else you have done and there are huge advantages and returns.”

Question: How important is it for exporters to maintain their commitment to export customers, during a fluctuation of supply and prices?

JF: “We treat our export customers like our supermarket customers domestically, where we set supply programs and sales programs and we have targets that we try to meet so we see year-on-year growth. Growth doesn’t necessarily have to happen from a volume, growth can be on value as well.”

This article appeared as part of the 26 July 2024 issue of Guacamole, AAL’s enewsletter.

Biosecurity Update 14 June 2024

ACTIVITY IN QUEENSLAND

On 19 February 2024, Biosecurity Queensland (BQ) detected a single suspect varroa mite in one of the six sentinel hives at the Port of Brisbane. The sentinel bee hives at the Port of Brisbane are in place as part of a national bee pest surveillance program.  The mite was identified as Varroa jacobsoni by the BQ Biosecurity Science Laboratory. The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) bee pathology laboratory then confirmed the identification on the 22 February 2024.

On 28 February 2024, during enhanced surveillance, a single Asian honey bee (Apis cerana) nest was found in mangroves at the Port of Brisbane. The whole nest was retrieved and euthanised. Diagnostic results confirmed 37 female V. jacobsoni mites within the Asian honey bee nest. Diagnostics have also confirmed relatedness of these mites to the mite found in the sentinel hive. Genetic testing has indicated this is a new exotic incursion of Asian honey bee. For more information go to the Queensland Government website HERE.

As part of enhanced surveillance a total of fourteen feral European honey bee (Apis mellifera) nests were also found in the mangroves. Twelve of these feral European honey bee nests were euthanised, removed and sent for diagnostic testing to confirm the absence of mites.

Exotic bee virus testing results are negative for six colonies tested to date. Preliminary diagnosis has determined mites are not present in four of the six remaining nests, with final results yet to be reported. Entrances of four of these nests were sampled for eDNA analysis. The remaining two nests won’t be sampled as one has collapsed and disintegrated and the other is inaccessible.

Surveillance is continuing for Asian honey bees at the Port of Brisbane and surrounds to ensure this was the only nest in the area.  Testing of hives within the local area is continuing to confirm they are free of varroa mite.

The varroa mites found at the Port of Brisbane are a different species to Varroa destructor, which has been subject to a national response following a detection in NSW in 2022, and which has recently entered a Transition to Management phase.

From 23 May 2024, a movement control order (MCO) covers suburbs within 10 kilometres from the sentinel hives at the Port of Brisbane as a precautionary measure to minimise the risk of varroa mite spread.

All beekeepers in Australia are being asked to inspect their hives regularly for signs of varroa mite and other exotic pests using techniques including the sugar shaker test and alcohol wash. We need to stop the spread. If you are a grower that utilises the services of commercial beekeepers be sure to check that they are aware of these requirements and are compliant.

Sightings of Asian honey bee or varroa mite are required to be reported to the national Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881. Find out more at the Queensland Government website HERE.

ACTIVITY IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA

On 22 March 2023, the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) received a report from the Pilbara Port Authority via MyPestGuide® Reporter of suspect exotic bees observed at the Pilbara Ports Authority site in Dampier, WA. After investigations and analysis the bee samples were confirmed to be Apis florea (red dwarf honey bee). A Quarantine Area (QA) surrounding the Burrup Peninsula was established on 5 September 2023 to prevent further spread of the red dwarf honey bee. DPIRD is investigating and managing the response. The department is calling on the State’s beekeepers and land managers to monitor their area for any unusual bees or nests.  For more information see DPIRD’s website HERE.

DPIRD Pest and Disease Information Service:
Ph  +61 (0)8 9368 3080
Ph  padis@dpird.wa.gov.au

This article appears as part of the 14 June 2024 issue of Guacamole, AAL’s enewsletter.

Domestic Supply Chain Monitoring of QLD avos in full swing for 2024

 

As part of the Monitoring avocado supply chain quality (AV22011) project the monitoring of Queensland avocado domestic consignments is underway and will continue as the season progresses. Samples are being collected from wholesalers and ripening distribution centres, and assessed following a normal commercial ripening program (Standard sample), as well as following a 14-day storage challenge (Challenge sample). Results from this monitoring are presented to the supplying packhouse, and used to evaluate fruit quality under normal supply conditions, as well as under the upper limit of best practice ‘time in the supply chain’ conditions.

To recap – two (2) avocado tray samples are taken from each consignment to measure quality and fruit robustness.  Both standard and challenge trays undergo an external quality assessment at collection. The first sample tray (standard) is collected after commercial ripening, kept at 20oC until med-soft ripe when it is assessed for internal defects. The second sample tray (challenge) undergoes a challenge fruit quality assessment, where fruit are stored for 14 days under recommended storage conditions. Fruit are then commercially ripened, kept at 20oC until med-soft ripe when it is assessed for internal defects.

A total of 9 consignments from Queensland have been assessed thus far in 2024. Overall, 5 out of 9 (56%) challenge samples (orange bars) could achieve >90% acceptable fruit (<10% defects). This demonstrates that the majority of consignments had consistent fruit quality and good fruit robustness. However, 44% of samples could not hold up to the challenge treatment, producing significantly worse quality compared to the standard. In these samples the percentage of acceptable fruit dropped by 13%, 17%, 27% and 35% respectively. This is important feedback for packers and their suppliers.

To date, the majority of identified defects in Queensland challenge samples include body rots, diffuse discolouration, vascular browning, and minor quantities of bruising. Understanding a batch level of fruit robustness and managing this risk is crucial for delivering consistent fruit quality particularly in longer domestic supply chains and in export.

Monitoring of Queensland avocado consignments will continue as the season progresses and timely updates on quality will be provided. Key resources available to assist in identifying opportunities for quality improvements relating to monitoring reports from industry and customers include the Avocado Fruit Quality Problem Solver, the Australian Avocado Supply Chain Best Practice Guide, the Traceback Self Assessment guide and the Avocado Problem Solver Field Guide.

For further information on supply chain monitoring results, contact John Agnew from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (john.agnew@daf.qld.gov.au) or Anne Larard (idm@avocado.org.au) from Avocados Australia.

This article appears as part of the 14 June 2024 issue of Guacamole, AAL’s enewsletter.

Advisory Panel prioritises R&D levy funded projects

On Thursday 2 May, the Production R&D and Market Development panels had a joint meeting to consider and prioritise 23 R&D funded investments for FY 24/25. The combined market development and production R&D panel group of 18 members provided information and the opportunity to ask questions on each investment. Panel members were then asked to individually prioritise each investment on it’s merits, level of investment and alignment to the strategic investment plan. The collated results will be used to guide Hort Innovation in the development of the annual investment plan which will outline the project investments for the upcoming financial year.

The Avocado Strategic Investment Plan is available to all industry members on the Hort Innovations website, along with the current Avocado Annual Investment Plan which outlines the project investments for FY23/24.

To support the panel in considering the strategic alignment, Hort Innovation provided an analysis of the current and past projects in regard to the current 2021-2026 Avocado Strategic Investment Plan. The graph below indicates the broad allocation of funds for each key strategic outcome:

If you would like further information on the Hort Innovation levy investment advisory process or more information about the current investments please contact Gemma Burger on 0458 650 876 or email gemma.burger@horticulture.com.au

 

 

 

This article appeared as part of the Guacamole enewsletter – 20 May 2024 issue.

RD&E Projects Update – Irregular Bearing Project (AV23014)

Workshop and Roadmap for the way forward for Irregular Bearing (AV23014)

The irregular bearing workshop and roadmap project is a Hort Innovation avocado levy-funded initiative aiming to provide strategic direction for subsequent industry investments, specifically focused on improving the management of irregular and alternate bearing.

Identified as a high-priority area for practice change in the ‘Australian Avocado Industry Extension Strategy 2023-2027 – Transition to 2027’, the management of irregular and alternate bearing have a range of causal factors that can differ with production regions, which extend from Far North Queensland to South West Western Australia.

Led by Wilkie Horticulture with support from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in Queensland, the project will have a duration of six months, culminating in the development of an irregular and alternate bearing R, D&E Roadmap.

The process for developing the Roadmap has several stages. First, a project reference group will be set up to guide the project activities. The project will then collect information on growers perceptions and practices around irregular and alternate bearing through a grower survey. The project will also undertake a literature review on alternate and irregular bearing in avocado and other tree crops. The information from the survey and literature review will be presented at the Workshop and used in the Roadmap development. An expression of interest (EOI) will be used to select growers and consultants for attendance at the workshop, at which a range of presentations, discussion sessions and co-design sessions will occur and be used to develop the Roadmap. Following the Workshop, industry will be given the chance to provide feedback on the draft Roadmap through a subsequent one-day feedback session in Western Australia, webinars and written responses.

Specific project activities are outlined as follows:

All the activities will be communicated with a project reference group (PRG). Members will provide feedback to the project team on the draft surveys, the Workshop design and planning, and the Roadmap. We welcome input from the entire industry and encourage everyone to participate in the surveys. For further information, please feel free to reach out to the project lead, Dr John Wilkie (wilkiejd01@optusnet.com.au).

This workshop and roadmap for the way forward for irregular bearing has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the avocado research and development levy, contributions from the Australian Government and co-investment from the Queensland Government Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.

This RD&E Project Update is part of the 19 April 2024 issue of the Guacamole enewsletter.

NQ Shepard Season – Staying ahead of the game

 

 

The issues

The North Queensland Shepard harvest is facing some key challenges and opportunities in relation to fruit quality.  Your actions now can limit and even negate these impacts.

Continuous wet weather in December and January, and dealing with a double fruit set, are the key challenges.

The prolonged wet weather means that rots are more likely because orchard sprays were probably less effective than normal. Also waterlogging has caused poorer tree health which impacts fruit robustness.

These points were reiterated by representatives from Costa Group, Rockridge Fresh and The Avolution at the recent Pre-season NQ and CQ Quality Webinar hosted by AV22011 project. A number of opportunities to manage the challenges were discussed.

Your actions 

Being proactive even before picking starts can keep you ahead of the game.

Retention samples

Taking representative fruit samples on a block basis and allowing them to ripen at 20°C before assessing rot levels provides valuable insights and can help inform your harvest and marketing plans.  It’s recommended to continue to keep library trays as the season progresses for the same reasons.

Maturity testing

Plan before you pick. Sampling fruit by block and conducting maturity testing again provides evidence useful for determining when and where to commence harvesting.  This is even more critical because of the double fruit-set in North Queensland.  For maturity testing instructions refer to the Maturity and Dry Matter Testing guide located on the BPR.

Maturity monitoring during February 2023 found that 30% of North Queensland Shepard were below the maturity standard. Immature fruit are more prone to developing post-harvest rots and disorders. The sale of immature fruit also causes poor consumer eating experience and leads to them abandoning avocado purchases for weeks. Continue to monitor maturity after you commence harvest.

Don’t mix fruit from sick trees with healthy

Excessive rain has caused waterlogging and individual and patches of sick trees. The robustness of their fruit is compromised. Avoid mixing fruit from sick trees with fruit from healthy trees. Increase your picker supervision where possible.

Post-harvest treatment and dispatch temperature

If a post-harvest fungicide is registered for your market, ensure that it is applied effectively (e.g. within 24 hours of picking).

Ensure your dispatch temperature for Shepard is 7°C.  Insist that transport arrives pre-cooled and set temperature is maintained at 7°C. Use a “real-time” temperature logger in your consignments if there are doubts about the effectiveness of the cool chain.

Minimising time in the supply chain

Retail monitoring data shared on the Pre-season NQ and CQ Quality Webinar show that fruit taking 10-15 days from packing to purchase at retail may have up to 2% rots, while 25-day old fruit had 16% rots. Pick and pack to order to prevent fruit from sitting around somewhere in the supply chain and losing shelf-life.

Regularly talk with your marketers and ripeners

Share your knowledge on expected fruit behaviour with your marketers so that they can target the best outlets for fruit of varied robustness to maximise consumer experience.  Seeking feedback from the other end of the supply chain will also provide you with insights on how measures you are taking are working to enhance quality.

Wait the required time after rain

Picking wet fruit decreases fruit quality, both internally and externally. Wet fruit are more susceptible to mechanical abrasion and lenticel damage, which promotes the development of postharvest rots. After heavy rain (>20mm in 12 hours) delay harvest for 48 hours. After any rain (<20mm in 12 hours) delay harvest for 24 hours. The roll test may also be used on Shepard fruit depending on the skin texture of your samples.

For further information on supply chain quality monitoring contact John Agnew from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (john.agnew@daf.qld.gov.au) or Anne Larard (idm@avocado.org.au) from Avocados Australia.

This article appears as part of the 8 February 2024 edition of Guacamole (AAL’s enewsletter).

Australian Avocados Marketing Update 2024

About the marketing program

This is the latest marketing activity that’s helping Aussie consumers connect with (and eat!) Australian avocados. The industry’s marketing is managed by Hort Innovation and funded by the avocado marketing levy. Hort Innovation develops consumer-focused promotions using a variety of mediums including social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, as well as targeted partnerships with consumer-related publications and platforms.

Keep scrolling to see more great marketing activity in 2024.  And, if you are chasing some delicious avocado recipes, check out Australian Avocados.

Australian Avocados Domestic Marketing Update for July-Dec 2024 – 15 August 2024

The Australian Avocados Domestic Marketing Update report on activity for July to December 2024 is now available in the Best Practice Resource (BPR) Library HERE. Log in and then on the Library page look under “Marketing Reports”.

Included are the details about the “Go Green Gold” Interim Avocado Campaign, see an overview of the creative that ran during the Olympics and what will run post Olympics across multiple channels.

Australian Avocados’ call for stronger Corn Chips Advert WINS international Best Ads weekly awards! – 15 August 2024

The Australian Avocados campaign calling on the chip industry for stronger corn chips has been recognised in the international Best Ads weekly awards (see online HERE). Every week a globally recognised creative director judges the best work from around the world across a number of categories and awards the best work. This idea and its execution came from creative agency Thinkerbell. Hort Innovation’s General Manager for Marketing and Communications, Karina Keisler, had this to say:

“[It’s] great recognition for a clever media engagement promoting National Avocado Day. Thinkerbell and the team have done a wonderful job injecting personality and humour into a cheeky engagement with the chip industry – we’re excited to see what’s next.”

Doritos responds to Australian Avocados’ call for stronger Corn Chips – 9 August 2024

Doritos has responded to an Australian Avocados full-page ad in The Daily Telegraph with its own full-page ad in the same publication, with the cheeky “Hey Avo. Dip This”. The original ad from Australian Avocados saw the brand demand for the corn chip industry to do better and create a stronger corn chip on National Avocado Day (31 July) that won’t break when holding guacamole. Doritos’ solution stems from its brand-new XXL range featuring “out-of-this-world bigger, crunchier, and bolder chips” – ideal for holding more guacamole than ever. And to serve it up, Doritos XXL’s new flavour – Tangy Salsa – is the perfect combination.

“We heard Australian Avocados’ plea to the corn chip industry to forge a stronger corn chip worthy of guacamole. Perhaps they were not aware…Doritos recently launched our brand-new XXL range featuring bigger, thicker chips, with even more crunch and even bolder flavours including Tangy Salsa,” said Kat Miller, senior brand manager, Doritos ANZ, PepsiCo.

“The Doritos XXL Tangy Salsa is the perfect pairing with creamy guacamole. And we checked, it won’t crumble under the weight of guac,” assured Miller.

Source: Quotes are excerpts from an article by Fredrika Stigell at B&T.

National Avocado Day on prime time TV! – 31 July 2024

🥑 On 31 July it was National Avocado Day!

In the morning on the Sunrise breakfast program, Executive Chef from Sam Prince Hospitality Group, Amanda Fuller and Australian avocado grower Michael Coulson celebrated National Avocado Day. Amanda Fuller made Mejico’s table-side guacamole (one of the items on their Australian Avocado Fiesta menu) – https://www.mejico.com.au/.  Avocado grower, Michael Coulson talked about his experience growing avocados. Social followers were encouraged to prepare their fav avo dishes. See the Sunrise segment on video HERE.

Our sincere thanks go out to all of you who helped us celebrate National Avocado Day yesterday! 🥑 The day provided the Australian avocado industry with the perfect way to celebrate the versatile and delicious avocado, showcasing the best of Australian avocados.

Also on the day a special tour took place at the Sydney Markets involving Sydney Direct Fresh, 30 top Sydney chefs and avocado grower, Josh McMillan from McMillan Farming. Josh shared his insights into what it takes to grow perfect avocados. Flora Zhang, from Avocados Australia joined the tour and helped celebrate the event in style.

The highlight of the day? A guacamole cook-off between @chefgannon (Exec Chef @laundyhotels) and @kristyannabernarte (Head Chef @mejicorestaurant).

Thank you to everyone who participated and made National Avocado Day a success.

Food Service Program activation to grow category, boost consumption – 26 July 2024

Hort Innovation Marketing team and delivery partner Papaya are developing a Food Service communications and content strategy to drive category growth in the sector and increase Australian Avocado usage and adoption within priority outlets Quick Service Restaurants (QSR), Restaurants and Cafes, Pubs and Clubs. The strategy builds on a prior market research program conducted by FreshLogic providing insights into the foodservice sector and the role of providores. The Hort Innovation Marketing team and Papaya will engage with a PRG at the beginning of August to share the strategy.

This year for National Avocado Day on 31 July, there will be three Food Service activations, 1) an Australian Avocado Fiesta at Sydney’s leading Mexican restaurant Mejico (see the above photo showing the menu), 2) an Avocado market tour and avocado usage demonstration at Sydney Markets and 3) a morning TV segment with Sunrise featuring an Australian Avocado grower and a leading chef.

Read the full story HERE.

Consumer marketing team prepare for National Avocado day! – 12 July 2024

On 31 July its National Avocado Day and Hort Innovation is working with agency partner Thinkerbell to develop activity that will create buzz around National Avocado Day, celebrating the product and highlighting the unique product benefits. Stay tuned for the details! A sneak peek of the creative is pictured above.

Fruit Nerd – aka Thanh Truong – continues to educate consumers – 2 July 2024

Consumers are hearing simple, good advice on Australian Avocados’ Instagram feed that helps them make the most of their avocados. Consumers buying bulk will know how to store their avos thanks to popular influencer @fruitnerd. Dice up your avos, place them in a snap-lock bag in your freezer and use them in smoothies or make a creamy avocado dip.

Thanh is passionate about sharing his fruit and veg knowledge, constantly creating content to help people have a great food experience. His engaging and fun short clips are not only entertaining but insightful.

Find out more HERE. See Thanh in action on Instagram HERE.

Preparing avocado dishes has never been easier! – 14 June 2024

Simple but delicious avocado recipes are showing consumers how easy it is to enjoy the health benefits of Australian Avocados. Enhanced by @Fruitnerd’s short videos Australian Avocados Instagram feed is playing a key part in realising the strategies in the Australian Avocados domestic marketing plan. The marketing plan for FY25 will continue to target light buyers and increase their consumption of avocados.

Avocados FY25 Domestic Marketing Plan on the BPR! – 17 May 2024

Australian Avocados domestic marketing plan for FY25 is now available on the Best Practice Resource. You can access the detailed report in the Best Practice Resource (BPR) under Library> Marketing Reports > Avocados FY25 Domestic Marketing Plan, just click HERE.

The report is essential reading an includes the 12 key facts that drove the thinking behind the marketing plan. The Plan also includes learnings and implications for the FY23-26 marketing strategy, and also looks at the avocado strategic shifts that are to be made.

If you are not a current user of our Best Practice Resource apply to access it today HERE.

Australian Avocados and Tassal team up for the month of May! – April-May 2024

Australian Avocados and Tassal Salmon have partnered in retail for the month of May to drive sales of Australian Avocados. The co-investment will include front of store screens for 100 stores, fresh magazine advertorial (as pictured), Magnetic landscape tickets, recipe cards, Online search optimisation and recipe inspiration across deli screens between 8 May and 14 May ahead of mothers day.

Shepard avocado tricks boost engagement on Socials – 19 April 2024


FruitNerd drives up engagement on Socials!

@FruitNerd generated a spike in Australian Avocados social engagement recently with his informative post about Shepard avocados. The trick to avocados that stay green? Using a Shepard avocado! This handy tip highlighted the fact that Shepard avocados don’t oxidise as fast as Hass avocados “making them perfect for salads, sandwiches and other meals” said Thanh Truong aka FruitNerd. Access the Insta posts here: https://www.instagram.com/australianavocados/

Shepard avocado recipes feature on Socials – 5 April 2024

Australian avocados have partnered with a chef, Luke Hines, to create easy and delicious Shepard Avocado recipes that highlight a Shepard’s unique product benefits across social media and encourage consumers to add Shepard avocados to their baskets, this season. Have you seen this delicious Shepard Avocado Supergreens Salad or the Shepard Avocado Smoothie posted by the Australian Avocado team? Social media is just one of three activities on in April, the Australian Avocado marketing campaign is also live across the Out-of-Home and Shopper channels.

Australian Avocados post goes viral – Mystery Avo King revealed! – 7 March 2024

Recently Australian Avocados shared a video showing a man at the AFL eagerly eating a whole avocado. The post went viral (the Instagram post achieved more than 20,000 views) and an extensive search resulted in identifying the man as Joe Romero, the owner of the Tower Hotel in Hawthorn in Victoria. Joe, also now known as the “Avo King”, was amazed at the attention and admitted to being a lover of avocados. Australian Avocados embraced the PR opportunity with Joe agreeing to appear on the Today Show (see the interview HERE). The story also appeared in the Herald Sun, on 3AW radio and online (including via a podcast). In all there were 11 pieces of earned coverage with a potential reach of over 14 million Australians. Thanks Joe!

Weekend Sunrise champions Shepard avocados! – 7 March 2024


Shepard avocados were championed on the Seven Network’s Weekend Sunrise breakfast program on the first weekend in March 2024. North Queensland Shepard avocado grower, Michael Coulson our Shepard avocados spokesperson, promoted the benefits of Shepard avocados to presenter, JT (James Tobin). The Weekend Sunrise program included a cooking demonstration with Zoe Bingley-Pullin making Baja Shepard avocado wraps and smoothies. The program even showed people eating the Shepard avocado wraps and smoothies. In all it was a great promotion for Shepard avocados. The program showed a lovely morning at Bondi, with everyone enjoying the Shepard avocado recipes. All of the Shepard avocado spokespeople were “on message” and encouraged Aussies to purchase Shepard avocados.

The Shepard avocado coverage appeared in six clips whereby each clip was syndicated 44 times, resulting in a reach of 1.9 million+.

Go online to see a video clip featuring Shepard spokesperson and NQ Grower Michael Coulson here: https://youtu.be/7YBuReIPuXc

See the video clip featuring JT and Zoe Bingley-Pullin making Baja Shepard avocado wraps and smoothies here: https://youtu.be/6obc1l-NIHs

See the latest marketing plans & access Domestic marketing reports

All through March, all channels are on to support Shepard marketing.  This includes social marketing, Out-Of-Home, Shopper and PR. Best Practice Resource users can access the current Domestic Marketing Update for January to March AND the Domestic Marketing Update for April to June 2024 by clicking HERE (after logging in to the BPR you will land on the Library webpage, look under “Marketing Reports”).

Australian Avocados – Domestic Marketing Update – 23 Feb 2024

This week Australian Avocados Instagram content has been highlighting the health benefits of eating avocados. It provides consumer education while working to own everyday meal occasions. The social post states avocados are “high in nutrients that are essential for the health of our immune system”. Consumers are encouraged to eat avocados “for a fighting fit immune system”. A great reason for consumers to include avocados in everyday meal occasions!

Find Australian Avocados on Instagram HERE.

Australian Avocados – Domestic Marketing Update – 8 Feb 2024

Australian Avocados’ ‘always on’ media approach is at work supporting three pillars: CONNECT, EDUCATE and INSPIRE. That is: 1) Cementing the core proposition locally, 2) providing retailer, shopper and consumer education, and 3) Owning everyday meal occasions. Social, Out-Of-Home and Shopper channels are in play with Hass Avocado creative and Shepard Avocado creative running all of February. Inspirational recipe imagery will be paired with messaging focused on usage and the unique product benefits of each varietal. An overview of the Marketing Plan is available on the Best Practice Resource HERE (login to the BPR then be directed to the Library webpage look under “Marketing Reports”).

 

Australian Avocados – Domestic Marketing Update – 12 Jan 2024

Shepard Campaign Overview

Marketing activity is set to continue across all channels from Jan-March 2024 in line with the Australian Avocados ‘always on’ media approach. The 2024 Shepard campaign is planned to launch from 18 Feb on social media and PR channels, with shopper and out of home activations to launch from 25 Feb. The media strategy will continue to connect, educate and inspire consumers to use Australian Avocados across everyday meal occasions. An overview of the Shepard Plan is available on the Best Practice Resource HERE (login to the BPR then be directed to the Library webpage look under “Marketing Reports”).