Avo Connections 2026: a re-cap

Re-visit the day that was Avo Connections 2026

From the latest in consumer and demographic trends to practical horticulture tech and research, and the shifts and challenges shaping culinary trends – our flagship event was a big day of insights and ideas!

On June 1, 2026 more than 145 avocado industry delegates came together in Adelaide to learn, connect and share ideas. A big thank you to our presenters and everyone who attended, you made this day an incredible success!

Where to next for the avocado industry?

We started the day with Avocados Australia’s outgoing CEO John Tyas giving his final update on how the industry’s been tracking, some of the key market challenges, and what the road ahead looks like.

Co-founder of The Demographics Group and prolific media commentator, Simon Kuestenmacher, dove into all things demographics and data, consumer and social trends for business.

One of Australia’s leading experts on economic security and geoeconomics, Prof Darren Lim (ANU), shared his insights on the evolving global geopolitical landscape and what it means for Australian agriculture.

John, Simon and Darren were joined by Avocados Australia’s Chair Matt Kleyn for a panel session, where they weighed in on ‘where to next for the industry’, chaired by Richard Shannon, Executive Officer – NFF Horticulture Council.

The latest in avocado R&D

Adam Goldwater and Tyler Kristensen from Applied Horticulture Research shared recent work on avocado international retail quality benchmarking, monitoring avocado supply chain quality and the avocado ripeness tech trials.

A special tribute

We paid a special tribute to John Tyas and the incredible impact he has had on our industry over the past 14 years.

John’s dedication, vision, and tireless commitment to our members and the wider industry has been fundamental to growing Avocados Australia from a small organisation into one that supports our growers in every way possible.

Order of Merit Award presentation

The Order of Merit Award was awarded to Lachlan Donovan, who served our industry for 13 years on the Avocados Australia board from 2003-2016. Lachlan was a strong voice in the planning, direction and success of our industry. This award shows our appreciation and thanks for his commitment and service.

What the tech?!

Hosted by Hort Innovation Head of Investment Growth and Commercial, Jesse Reader, this panel session saw four innovators pitching the latest and emerging horticulture research and technology:

• Henry Hyde gave us an overview of the latest supply chain technology.
• David Weisz, Reservoir Partners and Angus Stevens, Start Beyond showcased our industry’s brand new virtual reality training covering orchard, packhouse and retail.
• Cam Clifford shared AgriAutomation Australia’s latest autonomous and driver-assist tractor systems.
• Richard Beaumont showed us the latest Australian-made electric autonomous eTractors from Agovor.
• Guest panellist Lisa Fyffe, Founder of Ripe Horticulture, shared her insights and perspective as a grower and business owner.

Australian Avocados domestic and international marketing program updates

Hort Innovation Marketing Managers Victoria Zourkas and Holly Tagima shared domestic and export marketing program updates, including outcomes of the highly successful Are you bruisin’ while choosin’? and Hong Kong food truck campaigns.

Fresh insights from Foodservice

Fresh insights and food for thought were served up on the latest culinary opportunities, challenges and shifts in food service.

Catherine Slogrove, Founder and Director of Papaya Agency, kicked off the session with insights into foodservice (which represents 24% of avocado supply volume!).

Our International Culinary Ambassador, celebrated chef and Masterchef judge, Audra Morrice, shared her global perspective on food, culture, and her incredible knack for storytelling.

They were joined by:

• Adam Moore – chef, consultant and category specialist for the Australian avocados foodservice program
• Kane Pollard – Executive Chef at Topiary & Ondeen and farm-to-table sourcing advocate
• Nicholas Moraitis – Chief Commercial Manager at Morco Fresh – one of Australia’s leading wholesalers.

The panel explored what is shaping the way Australian avocados show up on menus – from provenance and seasonality to operational realities like handling, storage and consistency.

Acknowledgements

Avo Connections 2026, is partly funded through Hort Innovation as part of the Avocado Domestic Market Development Manager (AV25001) project, using the avocado research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government.

This article appears as part of the 5 June 2026 issue of Guacamole, our e-Newsletter.