Express your interest – South African avocado study tour: August-September 2027

Australian avocado growers are invited to register their interest in a potential South African avocado study tour to be held in the last week of August 2027, prior to the World Avocado Congress in Cape Town from 6–9 September 2027.

The proposed tour would provide an opportunity for a small group of Australian growers to:

• visit avocado production regions in South Africa
• meet with growers and industry representatives
• learn more about production systems, challenges and opportunities in the South African avocado industry.

Post-congress tours are also expected to be offered; however, these are likely to cater for larger groups. This proposed pre-congress study tour would be smaller and more targeted, with a focus on visiting sites and activities of particular interest to Australian growers.

Express your interest

You can express your interest by completing this form.

At this stage, this is simply an expression of interest and does not represent a commitment to participate.

The aim is to determine whether there is enough interest to warrant further work in developing a draft agenda and exploring possible tour arrangements.

The group is expected to be small, and any further planning will depend on host availability and grower interest.

Your study tour hosts

The proposed tour would be hosted by the Industry Development and Extension Project team (AV23010).

Contact

Renata Grunennvaldt, Queensland Department of Primary Industries

Extension Horticulturalist | AV23010 Project Lead.

0475 855 445 | renata.grunennvaldt@dpi.qld.gov.au

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This article appears as part of the 31 July 2026 issue of Guacamole, our e-Newsletter.

Pests, weeds and diseases can reduce avocado yields and affect farm profitability, and the sustainability of Australia’s farming sector. Using agricultural chemical products carefully helps to keep them working effectively for longer.

As production systems continue to evolve, managing resistance remains one of the best ways growers can protect their crops and maintain the effectiveness of crop protection products.

New resistance management resources for growers

CropLife has released its updated 2026 Resistance Management Strategies for fungicides, herbicides and insecticides.

These resources:

• are designed to help growers and advisers manage resistance risks
• support the long-term effectiveness of crop protection tools
• provide crop-specific guidance for proactive resistance management
• are developed specifically for Australian conditions and are a vital component of integrated pest management.

Access the resources

You can access the resources on CropLife’s StewardshipFirst website, where you can search the database by crop, pest or product type.

 

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This article appears as part of the 31 July 2026 issue of Guacamole, our e-Newsletter.

Take a short survey to help capture industry knowledge of avocado diseases

Whether you’re a grower, consultant, agronomist, or industry stakeholder, you
are invited to participate in a short survey to:

• help review the importance of the known diseases facing avocado production across Australia
• help identify regional differences in the presence/absence of the different diseases
• improve knowledge of the distribution and impact of branch and panicle dieback diseases.

Complete the survey

It only takes around 4 minutes to complete, and all responses are treated
confidentially.

Complete the survey here

Your answers to questions on this topic are highly valuable and will help ensure future
investments address the industry’s most pressing needs:

• disease management
• emerging disease concerns.

Acknowledgement

The Pest and Disease Management Program for the Australian Avocado Industry (AV23017) is funded by Hort Innovation using the Avocado Research and Development Levy and contributions from the Australian Government.

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This article appears as part of the 31 July 2026 issue of Guacamole, our e-Newsletter.

Introducing the AI Adoption Pack: Agrifood

The National AI Centre (NAIC) have shared their AI Adoption Pack: Agrifood, which is a practical, vendor-neutral starting point for any business in the sector that wants to move on AI but isn’t sure where to begin.

This first release includes:

• 7 sector-specific generative AI use cases for horticulture: these are low-risk, high-return, and applicable to many agrifood sector businesses.
• Links to relevant content on AI.gov.au, including the 6 essential practices to support safe and responsible use of AI.

The adoption pack is a basic first release, and it’s meant to be shaped by the people using it on an ongoing basis. Share this with your colleagues and start the conversation.

Where can I find it?

See the AI Adoption pack here (PDF)

More information
NAIC are seeking honest feedback on the pack’s applicability, what other information might be useful, or any other feedback.

You can email them at NAIC@industry.gov.au or reach out if you’d like to discuss further.

You can also take a look at their AI Directory, which lists Australian businesses with AI capabilities across industries. You can search for an AI company to connect with, or apply for your business to be featured.

 

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This article appears as part of the 17 July 2026 issue of Guacamole, our e-Newsletter.

Malaysia market update: Australian avocados remain in demand

Recent market feedback shows continued confidence in Australian avocados as we transitions between seasons. Importers remain active, and feedback on quality has been positive from selected shipments. Established supply relationships, including weekly ocean freight arrivals, continue to support regular arrivals into the market, with recent fruit described positively for quality and presentation.

Supply and pricing

At the same time, the market is becoming more price sensitive. Smaller-sized fruit is currently limited, and while available fruit can still be secured, importers are prepared to meet current market pricing only where the trading environment allows. Some importers are still finalising supply plans for the Western Australian season, and are also considering complementary origins, such as New Zealand, to manage supply continuity during periods of tighter Australian availability or higher pricing. This is a practical approach to category management and supply risk, not a sign that Australian fruit is losing value in the market.

Ripening consistency

Ripening consistency remains one of the most important commercial issues in Malaysia. Foodservice demand remains cautious, with buyers generally preferring fruit that can be ripened progressively over several days rather than fruit that is already fully ripe on arrival. Uneven ripening has been observed in parts of the market, particularly in some sea-freighted fruit, and predictable ripening is a key factor for retailers and foodservice buyers managing stock rotation, consumer satisfaction and waste.

External appearance

External appearance also continues to influence consumer perception. Some fruit showing sun blush coloration has been observed in the market. While this does not necessarily affect internal eating quality, it can affect how consumers judge quality, particularly where shoppers associate uniform skin appearance with a better product. This presents an ongoing opportunity for consumer education at retail level.

Clear communication on supply, size, maturity, appearance and ripening expectations will be important in the coming weeks, and will help Malaysian importers plan promotional activity, retail programmes and customer commitments with more confidence.

Three things growers should know this month

1. Malaysia still wants Australian avocados, but needs clearer forward supply signals

Importers remain interested in Australian fruit but need timely information on volume, size availability and pricing to plan ahead, especially as the market prepares for the Western Australian season.

2. Ripening predictability matters as much as fruit quality

Growers and exporters should continue to support the market with clear information on maturity, expected ripening behaviour and handling requirements, particularly for sea-freighted fruit.

3. Appearance matters at retail, even when eating quality is good

Sun blush and other external colour variation can be misunderstood by consumers, so fruit with uneven external appearance may need additional support at retail. Consistent grading and simple consumer education, on what affects appearance versus what affects eating quality, can help.

Outlook

The Malaysian market continues to show positive engagement with Australian avocados, and Australian fruit continues to be seen as a trusted option by trade partners. At the same time, the market is asking for more certainty. As the season progresses, the strongest opportunities will come from programmes that combine reliable supply, clear size and pricing communication, good ripening performance and practical support for retailers and foodservice buyers. For Australian growers and exporters, success in Malaysia will depend on helping importers plan confidently through the seasonal transition.

Acknowledgement

The AV23003 Avocado Market Access and Trade Development project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the avocado industry 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.

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This article appears as part of the 17 July 2026 issue of Guacamole, our e-Newsletter.

Australian Avocados launches year-round campaign to inspire more avo moments

Australian Avocados has launched its FY27 marketing program to encourage Australians to buy, choose and enjoy avocados more often.

The program brings together two consumer campaigns: Avo-Can-Do So Can You, which celebrates avocados as a delicious and nutritious everyday staple, and Are You Bruisin’ While Choosin’?, which helps shoppers learn the right way to check an avocado for ripeness.

Together, the campaigns will appear across TV, online video, social media, audio, retail media, public relations and Australian Avocados’ own channels, creating an ‘always-on’ presence throughout the year with peak activity during key supply periods.

What shoppers will see and hear

The Avo-Can-Do So Can You ads will run nationally on TV channels such as 7, 9 and 10, helping position Australian avocados as an easy choice for breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Video content will also appear on YouTube and Broadcast Video on Demand services, including Netflix and Amazon Prime. These placements will feature both the brand campaign and ripeness-checking messages, showing Australians how to enjoy avocados and how to choose them with confidence.

On Meta and TikTok, Australian Avocados will share a mix of paid and organic posts, including images and videos that focus on simple meal ideas, everyday use occasions and tips for checking ripeness.

Reaching people while they shop

Retail activity will bring the messaging close to the point of purchase. This includes retail out-of-home screens, in-store radio, point-of-sale material, Fresh Magazine advertising and digital display on retailer websites.

These placements are designed to reach people when they are planning meals, shopping online or making decisions in-store, with creative focused on meal inspiration and shopper education.

Building awareness throughout the day

National radio, programmatic audio and retail in-store radio will extend the campaign into commuting, on-the-go and shopping moments. Public relations, media coverage and Australian Avocados’ owned channels will also support the campaign messages and help reach more Australians.

Distribution plan

Why it matters

By reminding consumers about avocados at key consumption moments with important educational messages on how to handle an avocado, the FY27 program aims to:

• keep Australian avocados top of mind
• support growers
• and help consumers enjoy a better avocado experience at home.

Acknowledgements

Issued on behalf of Hort Innovation: This project is funded by Hort Innovation, using the avocado marketing levy.

Why Australia’s changing population should shape the avocado industry’s next move

A presentation by Simon Kuestenmacher

At our Avo Connections event in June, demographer Simon Kuestenmacher (co-founder of The Demographics Group and a regular columnist for The New Daily and The Australian) took the stage to answer a deceptively simple question: what does Australia’s changing population mean for the future of avocados – and the businesses that grow, sell, and market them?

Simon opened with the case for optimism: despite headlines about tariffs, trade wars and climate change, Australia’s economy rests on four remarkably resilient pillars: mining, agriculture, tourism and international education, none of which face serious long-term risk. But from there, the talk got a lot more interesting.

It was a fast-paced, funny, occasionally uncomfortable look at where the country, and our customers, are actually headed.

Watch the full talk

Log in to our Best Practice Resource to watch the full talk, and to hear Simon’s data-driven take on what it all means for business.

You’ll find this and all the Avo Connections presentations under ‘Event Proceedings’ in the Library.

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This article appears as part of the 17 July 2026 issue of Guacamole, our e-Newsletter.

Register for the National Fruit Fly Strategy regional workshop series

Plant Health Australia is hosting a series of regional workshops to support development of the next National Fruit Fly Strategy.

When and where

Workshops will be held on the Gold Coast on 31 July and in Mildura on 11 August, with a further session planned for southern Western Australia later in August.

These sessions will help inform future priorities, investment and biosecurity outcomes for fruit fly management in Australia.

Learn more and register

Find out more and register here

 

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This article appears as part of the 17 July 2026 issue of Guacamole, our e-Newsletter.

Seasonal Climate Outlook for North Queensland (July report) now available

The Tropical North Queensland Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub has published its July report. This resource offers insights to support growers, advisors, and industry stakeholders with seasonal planning and risk management.

Prepared by Prof Roger Stone and Dr Christa Pudmenzky, the outlook reviews a range of established and emerging climate forecasting systems and highlights several key climate signals, including:

• El Niño conditions have become established, with rainfall probabilities now reduced across much of Queensland. However, above-average rainfall probabilities remain for parts of the Far North Tropical Coast, particularly north of Cairns, while rainfall probabilities for Mareeba are close to normal and lower for regions such as the Burdekin.
• The Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) remains in a consistently negative phase, reflecting the ongoing El Niño pattern. The next Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) event is expected between early and mid-August and may temporarily increase the likelihood of rainfall across Tropical North Queensland.
• Longer-term forecasting models continue to indicate below-average rainfall probabilities for much of Tropical North Queensland through the remainder of 2026 and into early 2027, with low rainfall probabilities forecast for the spring period across most of the region.

Read the full report

Growers and industry partners can review the full report here and consider how seasonal climate signals may inform planning for the months ahead.

Learn more and subscribe

Visit the TNQ Drought Hub website

Subscribe to the TNQ Hub newsletter here

 

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This article appears as part of the 17 July 2026 issue of Guacamole, our e-Newsletter.

Quality remains high with very low bruising throughout 2026

Australian-grown Hass avocados maintained very high quality in June, matching May’s result of 96% acceptable fruit.

In June, only 2.7% of sampled Hass were unacceptably bruised. This result marks the sixth consecutive month of unacceptable bruising affecting less than 3% of sampled Australian Hass.

This is a great result, especially considering the 12-month average unacceptable bruising rate of 4.9% for Australian Hass. During the same period in 2024 and 2025, the average level of unacceptable bruising in Australian Hass was 3.9% and 4.6% respectively (Figure 1).

In previous years of monitoring, higher unacceptable bruising over this period was driven mainly by poor results in one or two cities. This usually arose from very high bruising at a handful of monitored stores, rather than being consistently high citywide.

Although some stores with a history of high bruising have reduced the number of layers of fruit on display and had an associated reduction in bruising, store monitoring metrics – including layers of fruit on display – have not shown a consistent relationship with bruising across the last six months and therefore do not provide a clear explanation for why bruising levels have remained lower over this period.

Figure 1. Unacceptably bruised Australian Hass each year of the project between January and June 2026

South Queensland and New South Wales maturity monitoring wraps up

The AV22011 wholesale maturity monitoring program continued through June, with 4 Hass samples collected from South Queensland and New South Wales. All samples reached the industry standard of minimum 23% dry matter, shown in Figure 2.

Maturity monitoring of South Queensland and New South Wales fruit will now cease due to fruit from these regions consistently meeting the minimum maturity standard.

Figure 2. Hass dry matter levels from fruit sampled from 16 June 2026

Well done to growers GJ & J O’Keefe, KMH Avocados, and Lister Farm whose fruit was sampled and exceeded the minimum maturity standard since 16 June 2026.

To give consumers the best eating experience, ensure that fruit you harvest meets the minimum dry matter standards of 21% for Shepard and 23% for Hass. Continue to monitor your dry matter levels as your harvest progresses.

More information on dry matter testing is available here (PDF)

For further information on retail and wholesale monitoring, contact Adam Goldwater from Applied Horticultural Research at adam.goldwater@ahr.com.au, or Anne Larard from Avocados Australia at idm@avocado.org.au.

Acknowledgement

The Monitoring Avocado Supply Chain Quality (AV22011) project 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.

 

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This article appears as part of the 17 July 2026 issue of Guacamole, our e-Newsletter.