Growers – share your favourite Avocado recipes!

 

Avocados Australia’s last media release for 2025 will target food writers/journalists across Australia – in both metropolitan and regional areas – and include press, online, radio & television media outlets. The Media Campaign aims to share Australian avocado growers’ favourite avocado recipes to all Australians so they can get to know the people who grow their avocados.

It will also promote Avocado as the ⭐STAR ingredient in recipes this Holiday Season!

All you need to do is email your name, business name, recipe and photo (optional) and email it to Avocados Australia at co@avocado.org.au.  The photo is optional but it would be great if you could prepare the recipe, take a photo of yourself holding the dish and attach the photo to your email along with your recipe!

All Australian commercial avocado growers are welcome to contribute a recipe.

Growers who contribute will receive a copy of the media release for their approval prior to distribution.

Deadline for contributions is Thursday 11 December 2025.

Contact:

For more information call Anna Petrou at Avocados Australia on 0488 384 222.

 

This article appears as part of the 21 November 2025 issue of Guacamole, our enewsletter.

Highlights from China Trade Visit

 

2025 China International Import Expo

From 5-10 November, an Avocados Australia delegation that included Chair, Matt Kleyn, attended the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai. The visit was made possible through the Hort Innovation funded Avocado Market Readiness and Engagement Project (AV25007).

The delegation used this opportunity to represent the industry, tour the pavilions and importantly witness the signing of an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), a pre-purchase agreement between Avocados Australia and Shanghai Huizhen Fruit and Vegetable Market for USD$250million.

 

Companies that took part in the China delegation included The Avocado Collective, Greenskin Avocados, Howe Farming, and Brooklet Farms.

Our sincere thanks go to everyone who took part in the delegation and assisted in its success. More initiatives are planned to support the Australian avocado industry’s strategic engagement with China in 2026. Look out for Avocados Australia’s email notices for the details!

Acknowledgement

The Avocado Market Readiness and Engagement Project (AV25007) has been funded by Hort Innovation using the avocado R&D levy and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.

 Top photo courtesy of Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ).

This article appears as part of the 21 November 2025 issue of Guacamole, our enewsletter.

Varroa Mite Management – From IPM to Varroa resistance

 

 

Growers who are managing their own Bee hives will find the NATIONAL Varroa Mite Management PROGRAM’s Online Resources of great value – access them HERE.

MONITORING FOR VARROA

Now that Varroa is established in Australia, all hives should be regularly monitored for Varroa. Every detection of Varroa mite must be reported to your state authority.

If Varroa is present in hives, it is important to use a standardised 300-bee sample to determine whether recommended treatment thresholds have been reached.

You can find out more info HERE.

 

This article appears as part of the 7 November 2025 issue of Guacamole, our E-newsletter.

National AgDay Photo & Video Competition – 1st prize is $2k!

BE IN IT TO WIN!

 

The judges are looking for photos and videos that capture this year’s theme: Stand with the Land.

To enter, upload your entries HERE (you will need to log in to your Google account or set one up if you don’t already have one) and share your favourites on social media using this hashtag: #AgDayAU.

Contact Chrissy Kerin at NFF if you need assistance with uploading your entry, email ckerin@nff.org.au

There is no age limit so anyone can submit their masterpiece and be in the running for some amazing prizes.

Entries close 5pm AEDT on 21 November 2025.

Read the full terms and conditions HERE. The photo and video competition opens every year to help celebrate National Agriculture Day or “AgDay”. Your images and videos need to give an insight into life on the land, celebrations on the day and what agriculture means through your lens.

PRIZES INCLUDE:
$2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second, and $500 for four runners-up.

GOOD LUCK!!! 

 

This article appears as part of the 7 November 2025 issue of Guacamole, our E-newsletter.

There are benefits to having Partners

 

 

Four weeks ago, Avocados Australia proudly announced a new referral partnership with WFI Insurance. Coupled with an offer to growers who are both an Avocados Australia member and a WFI Insurance client, this is an exciting endeavour for both Avocados Australia and WFI Insurance.

With a proud history of insuring Australians for more than 100 years, WFI Insurance is committed to supporting businesses and rural operations with their range of general insurance solutions. From farmers managing vast agricultural properties to business owners operating in regional communities and metro areas, WFI’s range of rural and commercial insurance products help to protect against the unexpected.

The partnership is a referral-based arrangement with WFI insurance. This allows members access to a range of insurance solutions, and you could receive a free Avocados Australia grower membership*.

WFI Insurance offer on-site consultations at your property or business, where a Local WFI Insurance Representative will discuss insurance options with you, for you to choose what best suits your needs.

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Rural Insurance offering

Whether you’re managing general farming operations, livestock or crop, WFI’s rural insurance products may help provide protection against the unique risks of rural life.

  • Rural Plan: Options to package your home to farming enterprise from loss of income, fire, burglary, theft and more.
  • Livestock Insurance: Can help cover the death or loss of use of animals after insured events. Additional options are available for specific needs, such as cover for calving and foaling losses.
  • Early Bird Crop Insurance: This policy can help protect crops before the growing season and may cover you against insurance risks from adverse weather, fire or livestock damage.

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Commercial Insurance options

Beyond rural insurance, WFI offer commercial insurance products that have been designed with commercial business needs in mind:

  • Commercial Plan: Options to package your home to commercial buildings, stock, vehicles and other assets, helping to protect you against insurance risks like fire, theft and weather damage.
  • Trade Kit Insurance: Can cover tools, equipment and vehicles, with additional options for liability cover.
  • Office Plan: May help businesses operating out of an office, can cover your office equipment, property and business interruption.
  • Workers Compensation (WA): Available in Western Australia exclusively, this plan may help employers protect their workforce and may cover medical expenses and lost wages for employees who are injured while working.

In addition to the range of commercial and rural options, WFI Insurance now offer a Cyber policy, this plan can help protect your business from various cyber and digital risks. Ransomware, business email compromise, phishing and AI-assisted scams are some of the common threats businesses can face. WFI Cyber insurance is a safety net that can help to safeguard your continued operations.

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Why choose WFI?

  • Deep Roots in Agriculture and Commercial business: WFI Insurance has decades of experience in Australia’s agricultural and commercial sectors.
  • Community Commitment: Dedicated to supporting the communities it serves.
  • On-Site Consultations: Local WFI Insurance Representatives can come to you, meeting with you in your business, on your farm and in your home to discuss insurance options.
  • Range of Cover Options: Offers a variety of farm, business and personal insurance cover to choose from.
  • Expert Knowledge: Brings more than 100 years of insurance experience.
  • Protection Focus: Dedicated to helping protect your operation and/or assets.

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How to get started

To find out more about this partnership and how you may be eligible for a free membership*visit https://avocado.org.au/about/our-partners/wfi-insurance/ or contact Avocados Australia on (07) 3846 6566.

Together, WFI Insurance and Avocados Australia are building a stronger, more secure future for rural Australia

 

 

*Terms and conditions apply.

Free Membership for AAL members will be applied for a 12-month period only. Commencing from the AAL member’s next AAL membership renewal date that falls between 1 September 2025 and 30 June 2026, following the start or renewal of a WFI Insurance Policy where AAL is recorded as a referrer.

Avocados Australia is a referral partner of WFI and does not provide any advice, recommendations or an opinion about WFI’s products. If you take out an eligible policy with WFI, Avocados Australia receives a commission from WFI of 1.5% and 12.5% of the policy premium (excluding taxes and charges).

Insurance issued by CGU Australia Pty Ltd ABN 62 004 478 960 trading as WFI. This is general advice only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs (“your personal circumstances”). Before using this advice to decide whether to purchase a product, you should consider your personal circumstances and the relevant Product Disclosure Statement. Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations available from wfi.com.au.

 

This article appears as part of the 7 November 2025 issue of Guacamole, our E-newsletter.

Are You Happy with How You Monitor Dry Matter?

 

The Monitoring Avocado Supply Chain Quality project continues to focus on supporting growers, packers, and retailers with practical tools and services that help drive demand for Australian avocados. One of our current areas of attention is exploring how we can strengthen the industry’s ability to monitor and communicate fruit maturity — particularly through improved dry matter testing and interpretation… Dry Matter Monitoring Feedback Form 💻

This year, the project has undertaken dry matter assessments on 153 avocado samples collected across Australian growing regions between February and October. Thirty percent (30%) of these samples were found to be below the industry’s minimum maturity standard, with North Queensland, Central Queensland, Tristate and Western Australia growing regions all showing a high proportion of below standard fruit.

We recognise that our project sample numbers may not provide a true reflection of all market supply during the sampling period, and we also know that there are market pressures and weather that can influence harvesting plans. We do however want to ensure that the industry standard, the industry advice on sampling and testing, and the positive recognition – for those who work hard to meet and promote that their fruit meets minimum eating quality standards – are all working well enough.

Ideas received from growers and packers previously suggests there might be opportunities to make improvements — such as updating best practice guidelines for orchard and packshed sampling, providing better calibration advice and collaboration on NIRS (non-destructive) data models and improving awareness of regional service providers who offer dry matter testing. Some in the industry have also suggested revisiting the 10-fruit average approach to assessing maturity levels, or exploring new ways to positively promote supply chains that demonstrate robust monitoring and communication of fruit maturity in consignments.

We’re now seeking broader input from across the industry to ensure that if there are any key opportunities identified, that we get to work on these. Whether you conduct your own dry matter testing or outsource this service, your experience and ideas are valuable. Please take a few minutes to share your feedback through the Dry Matter Monitoring Feedback Form 💻 and let us know if you’d like to receive a summary of de-identified responses once collated. Your contribution will help ensure that project resources are directed toward any valuable ideas.

For further information contact Anne Larard (idm@avocado.org.au) from Avocados Australia.

The project Monitoring Avocado Supply Chain Quality (AV22011) has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the avocado research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.

 

This article appears as part of the 7 November 2025 issue of Guacamole, our E-newsletter.

Hort Innovation Update – 7 November 2025

 

Hort Innovation’s 2024/25 Annual Report OUT NOW!

 

In the 2024/25 reporting period Hort Innovation invested $171.2 million across more than 400 projects supported by grower levies, Australian Government contributions, grants and co-investment. These investments have delivered tangible outcomes, from grower-led technology trials and food safety research to new export market access and varietal development.

Download the 2024/25 Hort Innovation Annual Report HERE

 

2025 Domestic Marketing Showcase – WATCH THE VIDEO!

 

This video features a 2025 Marketing Showcase presentation by Hort Innovation delivered online on Wednesday 5 November 2025. It lets growers know how levies are being invested to drive marketing outcomes that correlate directly with positive consumer behaviours, increased consumption and returns for growers.

CLICK THE YOUTUBE VIDEO ABOVE OR CLICK HERE

Hort Innovation would also like levy payers to complete a short survey to let them know how they can improve future sessions.

 

Australian-Grown Innovation Program ENGAGE WORKSHOPS

 

Hort Innovation are running 2 Australian-Grown Innovation Program ENGAGE Workshops, one in NSW at Summerland Farm on Thursday 27 November, the other in WA at Manjimup on Thursday 4 December.

They will be dynamic, in-person workshops designed for growers and supply chain participants to explore innovation in horticulture, share insights, and gain hands-on tools from real industry leaders with practical experience.

Participants will learn why innovation matters, engage in practical exercises using frameworks like the Business Model Canvas and Value Proposition Canvas, and hear from successful innovators across the horticulture sector.

The program focuses on actionable outcomes, helping attendees identify opportunities to diversify income, improve efficiency, and address real-world challenges through guided activities and peer learning within a supportive regional network.

FOR MORE INFO & TO REGISTER:  NSW FLYER HERE | WA FLYER HERE

 

Frontiers Internship program – Apply NOW!

 

Hort Innovation and Western Sydney University (WSU) have partnered to establish a practical internship program that aims to build the next generation of skilled professionals for Australia’s horticulture industry. Businesses can apply to host a West Sydney Uni intern for a 3-month placement at a cost of $5,500 and the co-investment from the Frontiers fund tops this up to pay the student a stipend and relocation costs.

Funded through Hort Frontiers, with co-investment from WSU, participating horticulture industries, and the Australian Government, this initiative connects university students with real growers and agribusinesses to gain valuable hands-on experience while contributing to your operations.

🌿 Why Get Involved?

  • Access a ready pool of skilled and motivated students in their final year of Agriculture and Horticulture degrees.
  • Address skill shortages and seasonal workforce gaps in your business or region.
  • Mentor future professionals who could become valuable long-term employees.
  • Strengthen your link with cutting-edge research, innovation, and education at WSU.

FIND OUT MORE HERE

 

This article appears as part of the 7 November 2025 issue of Guacamole, our E-newsletter.

Domestic Marketing Update – November 2025

Avo-Can-Do, So Can You Campaign

 

Social Strategy Refresh Delivers Strong Results

 

The Australian Avocados social media strategy has been refreshed to bring the ‘Avo-Can-Do So Can You’ platform to life across Meta and TikTok. The new approach leans into relatable, recipe-driven storytelling that inspires audiences to think, “I could do that!” –positioning avocados as the delicious, nutritious hero for every meal occasion.

We teamed up with Chef Tom Walton and Foodie Sarah Brown to create content that’s both aspirational and achievable.

So far, content has achieved:

  • 87K reach on Meta
  • 4K reach on TikTok
  • 15K engagements across all platforms (reactions, shares, saves)

Tom Walton’s Australian Avocado Nourish Bowl was a standout, with 5K saves on his recipe reel – clear proof that our consumer audience resonate with and are inspired by our recipe content.

 

This article appears as part of the 7 November 2025 issue of Guacamole, our E-newsletter.

Impacted by recent severe QLD weather? Report it!

 

The Queensland Department of Primary Industries (QDPI) recently confirmed with Avocados Australia that any Queensland primary producers impacted by severe weather events in October or during the first weekend in November should complete the Queensland Government’s Application for an Individual Disaster Stricken Property (IDSP) Declaration form (DOWNLOAD IT HERE) and QDPI’s Agriculture Disaster Impact Survey HERE.

If the submissions are successful – by going through the IDSP process – it can raise awareness of the weather event within QDPI and importantly help initiate disaster assistance such as loans from the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA).

Reporting the impact severe weather events have on your orchards and operations should be the first thing you do if you require assistance with recovery. Include photographic evidence when it is requested and keep thorough records of any expenses incurred as part of your clean-up and recovery.

Contact:

To provide feedback or for more information contact Avocados Australia, email co@avocado.org.au or call 1300 303 971.

This article appears as part of the 7 November 2025 issue of Guacamole, our E-newsletter.

Judge on MasterChef becomes Ambassador & more

A whole range of exciting Australian Avocados international marketing initiatives have happened recently. Here are just some highlights…


Audra Morrice – appointed Australian Avocados Ambassador

 

 

This week Avocados Australia was thrilled to announce the appointment of Audra Morrice – celebrated chef and judge on MasterChef Asia and Singapore – as our new International Culinary Ambassador.

This appointment is supported by the Australian Fruits Culinary Training Program funded by a grant from the ASEAN-Australia Centre (AAC).

Over the coming year, Audra will collaborate with culinary schools and chefs across Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, championing the creativity, nutrition and versatility of Australian avocados in regional cuisines.

This partnership marks a major milestone in our mission to inspire the next generation of chefs and build stronger ASEAN–Australia culinary connections.

Stay tuned for recipes, workshops and behind-the-scenes moments with Audra!

See our Official Announcement online here: https://bit.ly/3XeJX4g

 

Chef’s Table Event in Dubai – 25 Nov!

Also this week Avocados Australia announced that it will be delivering a special Chef’s Table event in Dubai on Tuesday 25 November 2025, from 10.30am to 3.00pm GST, at the International Centre for Culinary Arts (ICCA Dubai).

Our Official Invitation is HERE.

Australian Avocados will be bringing together leading chefs, foodservice partners, and industry stakeholders to explore the creativity and quality of premium Australian avocados.

The event will feature:

A live cooking showcase by Chefs
Technical insights from the Australian Avocados team
An afternoon of collaboration, flavour, and inspiration

This is more than just a culinary experience — it’s an opportunity to connect, share ideas, and build lasting partnerships in the dynamic UAE foodservice space.

RSVP:
For those interested, please RSVP to Flora Zhang, General Manager – Export at Avocados Australia, email export@avocado.org.au

 

Australian Avocados partners with Urban Coffee Roaster in  Hong Kong

 

 

Australian Avocados is partnering with Urban Coffee Roaster (UCR) in Hong Kong! Recently we announced the launch of the “Avo Nice Day” campaign that is aimed at showcasing the versatility and premium quality of Australian Avocados in modern Hong Kong dining.

From 1–30 November 2025, UCR’s limited-edition menu highlights the creamy texture, rich oil content, and consistent quality of Australian avocados through dishes like: Avocado Crab Sourdough Toast, Avocado Smoked Salmon Tartare and Avocado Smoothie.

This collaboration brings Australian Avocados to the forefront of Hong Kong’s vibrant foodservice scene — reinforcing our position as a trusted, year-round supplier of high-quality produce.

For our partners and Australian avocado lovers in Hong Kong — visit UCR this month to experience how Australian avocados continue to set the standard in quality and versatility.

 

Boosting Trade in Malaysia


Monash University Malaysia’s Nutrition Awareness Day

Avocados Australia recently participated in Monash University Malaysia’s Nutrition Awareness Day, themed “Nutrition for Prevention: Breaking the NCD Chain.”

As part of the event, we hosted an avocado sampling booth where students enjoyed a range of avocado recipes — refreshing avocado drinks, gula melaka avocado smoothies, pulled chicken avocado burgers, and classic guacamole with corn chips.

This activation with the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences marks the start of a broader collaboration between Avocados Australia and Monash University Malaysia, as a soft start to a forthcoming MOU focused on nutritional messaging and quality research.

Student survey highlights were encouraging:
🥑 96% agreed avocados are healthy.
🥑 80% want to learn new ways to cook with avocados.
🥑 83% said they’d buy avocados more often after the tasting.
🥑 58% would follow an avocado social page for recipes or campus events.

The export project team is inspired by the enthusiasm of Monash’s future health leaders and they intend to deepen their partnership to help champion nutrition, wellness, and prevention across Malaysia.

 

Other highlights in Malaysia:

 

 

Minister Don Farrell Meets Industry Leaders to Boost Australia–Malaysia Trade 

Kuala Lumpur — 24 September 2025 – In a high-level engagement underscoring agrifood export potential, Avocados Australia was honoured to participate in a business breakfast hosted for the Hon. Don Farrell Senator, Australia’s Minister for Trade and Tourism, during his visit to Malaysia.

While the breakfast convened representatives across industries, diplomats and trade officials, Avocados Australia used the occasion to reaffirm its commitment to the Malaysian and broader Southeast Asian market. Malaysia is Australia’s seventh largest goods-trading partner, and the region remains a strategic priority. According to Minister Farrell’s media release, Australia’s two-way trade with Southeast Asia reached AUD 195 billion in 2024, supporting half a million Australian jobs, and ASEAN countries now account for around 15 % of Australia’s total trade.

“Malaysia is a gateway market for Southeast Asia, and demand for premium fresh produce is growing rapidly,” said KC Liew. “Avocados Australia is committed to deepening our presence here and supporting local partners in delivering consistent, high-quality avocados to the market.”

The breakfast discussion reinforced the importance of collaboration across government, trade intermediaries and industry in enabling Australia’s agrifood sectors to capitalise on growing consumer demand in the region. For Avocados Australia, the interaction signals continued momentum for Australian avocados as a premium option and underscores the need for robust partnerships and capacity building in fast-growing markets.

 

Australian Avocados Featured in “Taste the Wonders of Australia” Malaysia Showcase 

Kuala Lumpur – 25 September 2025 – Australian avocados took a starring role in Kuala Lumpur as part of the Taste the Wonders of Australia event, reinforcing their growing appeal in the Malaysian market and underscoring their role in Australia’s broader food-export strategy into Southeast Asia.

Delivered under the banner of the Australian Food & Wine Collaboration Group — supported by Hort Innovation Australia Ltd — the event united Australia’s fresh produce, horticulture, wine, dairy, seafood and meat industries in one coordinated showcase.

Highlighting the Avocado Advantage 

Among the premium Australian goods on display, avocados stood out for their quality, season-complementarity and relevance to Malaysian foodservice and retail trends. As one report noted: “From avocados … our products are well-represented in premium Malaysian supermarkets.”

During the produce-focused segment of the showcase, Australian avocados were featured through live cooking demonstrations, providing Malaysian importers, chefs and foodservice operators an up-close view of how this fruit can be integrated into menus and ready-to-go retail concepts.

“By including avocados in this premium Australian food showcase, we’re sending a clear message: our growers supply a product that’s reliable, versatile and ready for growth in Malaysia and the region,” said KC Liew, General Manager for Southeast Asia at Avocados Australia.

Looking Ahead 

Avocados Australia will leverage the momentum from this event to deepen its engagement in Malaysia — targeting both foodservice and retail segments — and to support its long-term goal of year-round supply into Southeast Asia from regions including Western Australia and Queensland.

“This kind of showcase isn’t a one-off—we’re building trust, capacity and visibility for Australian avocados in Malaysia,” added Mr Liew. “We believe in the strength of our industry and the opportunity that Southeast Asia presents.”

 

This article appears as part of the 7 November 2025 issue of Guacamole, our E-newsletter.