Australian avocado industry strengthens Malaysia partnerships

Avocados Australia has taken another step in strengthening its presence in Southeast Asia, signing new partnership agreements with Monash University Malaysia and University of Wollongong (UOW) Malaysia during a ceremony held in Kuala Lumpur on 4 March 2026.

The agreements were announced as part of the “Taste the Season: Australian Avocados from Orchard to Asia” event series, which brought together Australian growers, exporters, universities and supply chain partners from across Malaysia.

The signing formalises a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Monash University Malaysia focused on nutrition education and research engagement, alongside a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with UOW Malaysia under the Australian Fruits Culinary Training Program funded by the ASEAN-Australia Centre.

Australia’s avocado exports reached 18,487 tonnes in 2025, valued at more than AUD $99 million, with Asian markets continuing to show strong growth.

Malaysia is currently one of the industry’s top three export destinations, with Australian avocados maintaining approximately 70 per cent market share in the market.

Through the partnership with Monash University Malaysia, Avocados Australia will work with academic experts to support evidence-based nutrition messaging and student engagement, helping build awareness of the health benefits of avocados among future health professionals.

Meanwhile, collaboration with UOW Malaysia will strengthen the culinary application of Australian produce through industry workshops and training activities delivered under the Australian Fruits Culinary Training Program.

The program is supported by internationally recognised chef Audra Morrice, who serves as Culinary Ambassador for the initiative and works with culinary institutions across Southeast Asia.

Following the signing ceremony, Avocados Australia hosted a seasonal workshop and networking dinner with Malaysian importers, distributors and retailers to discuss the upcoming avocado season. The session included supply outlook presentations, exporter discussions and practical demonstrations on avocado ripeness and handling.

The event concluded with a buka puasa dinner, reflecting the importance of cultural engagement during Ramadan while highlighting the versatility of avocados across a range of culinary applications.

Avocados Australia’s Southeast Asia program continues to focus on strengthening relationships across the supply chain while supporting long-term growth of the Australian avocado category in the region.

This article appears as part of the 13 March 2026 issue of Guacamole, our e-Newsletter.