Australia launches project to improve the quality of its avocados in Asian markets

The AV24015 initiative will seek to measure and improve the condition of Australian avocados in supermarkets in Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur, connecting logistics chain data with the quality observed in retail.

Australia has launched a new research project aimed at strengthening the international competitiveness of its avocados, with a focus on improving the quality ultimately perceived by consumers in Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur. The Avocado International Retail Quality Benchmarking (AV24015) initiative, funded by Hort Innovation, seeks to systematically assess the condition of the fruit in key destinations to understand how the supply chain influences its condition upon reaching supermarket shelves.

Over the next two years, Applied Agricultural Research (AHR), in collaboration with Avocados Australia and local stakeholders, will conduct weekly assessments in Asian supermarkets. These results will be integrated with logistics data to identify critical points in the supply chain and guide improvements in handling, storage, and transit times. A key element will be an interactive online dashboard that will provide real-time feedback to exporters, enabling them to react quickly and promote continuous improvement in export quality.

The program also includes technical visits to Hong Kong to evaluate Australian avocados and competitors, as well as meetings with retailers and importers to understand how the fruit is handled from its arrival at the port to its display. According to Adam Goldwater, the project leader, this work will provide “a clear picture of what happens to Australian avocados once they leave our shores” and strengthen the country's reputation as a supplier of premium fruit.

Source: portalfruticola.com