Avocados Australia has been awarded a $200,000 grant over two years through the ASEAN-Australia Centre’s 2024–25 Grants Program. 

The grant will support Avocados Australia’s export activities, strengthening regional trade and culinary engagement in their Southeast Asian markets.

The ASEAN-Australia Centre’s 2024–25 Grants Program aims to strengthen connections between Australia and Southeast Asia through initiatives in creative industries, cultural exchanges, and research.  

The centre received nearly 300 grant applications and Avocados Australia was one of ten recipients, the only stakeholder from the agriculture sector.

Australia is a significant producer of premium avocados. For the 2023/24 financial year, national production reached 150,913 tonnes, valued at AU$649 million. 

Australia exported 21,979 tonnes, representing a 7-fold increase over the past three years, and 14.56 per cent of the total 150,913 tonnes produced in Australia in 2023/24.

Southeast Asia is a priority export region for the Australian avocado industry, accounting for around 43 per cent of total Australian avocado exports. 

According to the latest Australian avocado exports and imports 2024 report, the major Southeast Asia markets included Malaysia (3,266 tonnes worth US$9.4m), Singapore (4,373 tonnes valued at US$13.3m), and Thailand (517 tonnes valued at US$1.75m).

Market research undertaken as part of the Hort Innovation-funded “Avocado Market Access and Trade Development” (AV23003) project says the Southeast Asian region’s demand for fresh avocados is surging, driven by rising incomes, urbanization, and a growing health-conscious consumer base.

The grant will support Australia’s premium horticultural produce supply chain into Southeast Asia, with a strong focus on education, training, and engagement with the foodservice channel along with culinary training.

Avocados Australia’s project aligns with the grant program’s business and education priorities, and the funding will help to:

Train key stakeholders across the supply chain (including importers, distributors, retailers, and foodservice professionals).

Engage the next generation of Southeast Asian chefs (introducing them to the sustainability, traceability, and premium quality of Australian avocados through programs).

Leverage food as a cultural bridge, positioning Australian avocados as an ambassador for high-quality, sustainable produce and strengthening trade relationships.

Avocados Australia’s CEO, John Tyas, said the ASEAN-Australia Centre’s grant comes at a pivotal time.
“We would like to thank the ASEAN-Australia Centre, as these funds will add value to Avocados Australia’s export programs,” he said.

Avocados Australia’s Chair, Matt Kleyn, believes using food as a way to engage with cultures in Southeast Asia is very important.
“Food is culture, and a bridge to connect with cultures in our Southeast Asian markets,” Matt said.
“This grant will fund initiatives that demonstrate how Australian avocados can integrate into local and international cuisines, driving long-term demand,” said Matt Kleyn.

The Avocado Market Access and Trade Development Project (2024–2029) (AV23003) has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the avocado research and development levy, and contributions from the Australian Government. 

Hort Innovation is Australia’s grower-owned, not-for-profit organisation that invests in research and development, marketing, and trade initiatives to build a prosperous and sustainable future for growers.

Source: Avocados Australia Facts at a Glance Report 2023/24