AUSTRALIA produces almost 40,000 tonnes of avocados in the lush sub-tropical regions along the east coast of Queensland and northern New South Wales, through to the Riverland and Sunraysia districts and in south-west Western Australia. Hass is the main variety produced and is in peak supply from June to October.

Positioned in the Southern Hemisphere, Australia is well placed to provide counter seasonal fruit to help keep your customers supplied year round.

Currently Avocado orchards are found in Queensland, new South Wales, South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia and Tasmania. Avocados are a perennial fruit and Australian premium produce is available all year round because of the widespread and climatically diverse growing regions. The peak supply period for Australian Avocados is between March and November.

Table 1 Avocado Availability by Variety

Table 2 Avocado Varieties

Hass
The Hass variety accounts for approximately 65% of Australian production, with peak supply from June to October. The Hass has a rich and nutty flavour and turns a rich purple shade when ripe and ready to eat. It has a characteristic pebbly skin and is more oval in shape than other varieties.

Shepard
The Shepard variety has smooth, green skin, golden buttery flesh, a delicious nutty taste, and is the only variety that doesn’t go brown when cut. The Shepard’s season extends from February to April. Shepards are grown on the Atherton Tablelands in far north Queensland and in the Bundaberg region. Unlike other varieties they don’t change colour when ripe and remain green.

Sharwil
The Sharwil, also a greenskin variety, is smaller and more pear shaped than other Australian avocados. It comes into season at the end of April through until August. The Sharwil is often marketed as a ‘gourmet’ avocado due to the rich, nutty flavour it boasts.

Table 3 Avocado Major Growing Regions

Avocados grow mainly along the east coast of Australia.

Table 4 Avocado Packaging

Packaging

Australian avocados of counts up to 28 are packed and exported in 6 kg trays.

Speak to your exporter regarding special needs.

For further information on the Avocado industry, please click here .