Australian avocado exports were more than 50% ahead of the same time last year

Avocados Australia welcomed Milton Bazley as the new CEO in May; there followed a transition period alongside outgoing CEO Mr John Tyas, who officially retired in the first week of July. Milton said that taking over from John Tyas, who was retiring from the role after some 14 years at the helm, was daunting at first. However, John, the Board and staff had been incredibly welcoming and helped him enormously to settle in.

“While new to the avocado industry, I have a lifetime of experience in agribusiness, and agricultural commodity sales and marketing. Raised on a mixed grain and cattle property located on the Darling Downs, Queensland, my connection to agriculture is both personal and professional. My 35+ working life has spanned a range of agricultural commodities: raw sugar, rice, coarse grains and tree nuts. Prior to joining Avocados Australia, I served as Chief Executive Officer of Australian Vinegar and as General Manager – International Commodity and Trading at SunRice.

“A big part of my background has been in international trade – sales, marketing and procurement. I’ve worked with Trade & Investment Queensland in Toowoomba, supporting businesses across the Darling Downs to explore export opportunities and take their products into global markets.”

Milton said he was drawn to Avocados Australia Limited by the opportunity to work with the Board to grow the Australian avocado industry for the betterment of all participants.

“With the significant growth in production seen over the past few years, my experience and background can support my colleagues’ efforts to grow established markets and to gain access to quality new markets, which will be important to support industry stakeholders’ returns, particularly in big crop years. In the short period I have been with AAL, I have learned the Avocado industry’s strategy to market branded Australian fruit, supported by quality systems and customer education programs. Taking this long-term view of investment in expanding market access, marketing and quality will pay dividends to all Australian avocado growers.”

Avocado production
Hass avocados are currently coming out of the east coast of Australia, predominantly from Queensland and Central New South Wales. The Australian crop over the next 6 months will be lighter than the year prior, but quality remains high.

“Typically, we see demand increase as the weather starts to warm up towards the end of the year with people making salads and other delicious summer avocado recipes, but we are hoping consumers continue to use avocados in the next couple of months as they are so versatile in pasta dishes, taco nights and other heart-warming dishes.”

Pricing
Prices were weaker in the first six months of 2026 due to the larger volumes of fruit coming from particularly Queensland and Western Australia. However, as harvesting in these two key production areas wound down, prices have strengthened on the back of ongoing demand in the domestic market.

Export markets
At the end of June, Australian exports were more than 50% ahead of the same time last year. In the second half of 2026, Western Australian exports will be lower due to it being an off-season.

“Despite lower supply, AAL will maintain a strong in-market presence through quality training, trade events, handling support and buyer engagement. Export performance remains strong overall, with exports valued at approximately AU$97 million year to date based on current unit values. Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia remain our key markets, accounting for more than 80% of exports this season.”

Exports to the Middle East
Exports of Australian avocados to the GCC (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates) continue to experience strong growth. Avocados Australia continues to engage closely with importers, retailers and trade partners to maintain market momentum and prepare for increased supply.

“Lower Western Australia production is reducing exportable volumes in the second half of the season and sea freight capacity, particularly into the GCC, remains a challenge due to increased freight rates and reduced space availability driven by the ongoing conflict in the region.

“Maintaining consistent quality throughout the supply chain continues to be a priority as exports grow.”

Access to the Chinese market
“From engagement with the Chinese market, we are confident that Australian avocados will be positively sought after in the market once access is granted. Avocados Australia appreciates the work the Australian Government is undertaking to achieve access to the Chinese market. Australian growers and marketers are looking forward to the time when access will be granted, and discerning Chinese consumers can purchase our avocados and enjoy the quality and taste of our Australian avocados year-round.”Publication date: Wed 15 Jul 2026

© FreshPlaza.com / Nichola McGregor