West Australian avocados enjoy successful trial in Thailand

West Australian avocado growers have successfully shipped a verification shipment of Hass avocados to Thailand after gaining access in May. Peak industry body Avocados Australia welcomed the news of the next step towards supplying the Asian market, and applauded all those involved in the shipment.

“I would like to thank the exporters and other key stakeholders for participating in the verification shipment to Thailand and for their professionalism in the way they approached the process,” said John Tyas, chief executive of Avocados Australia. “Our access to Thailand rested on the success of this verification shipment so we are very grateful that the process went smoothly.”

Thailand is a promising market for Western Australian avocado growers. In the 2022 calendar year Thailand imports totalled 1,575 tons, worth A$12.28m. West Australian avocado growers and exporters see Thailand as a significant opportunity.

Avocados Australia is planning a special launch at the Sukhothai Hotel in Bangkok on 27 September. The launch will celebrate Australian avocados and include cooking demonstrations. This will be followed by business engagements with the support of the West Australian government and Austrade. Additionally, the plan for a comprehensive marketing campaign managed by Hort Innovation is in place including consumer-facing activities, store activations and social media. The industry intends to retain a strong presence in Thailand to support on-going marketing activities.