New Zealand’s growing avocado industry will take the spotlight in April 2023 when New Zealand hosts the World Avocado Congress for the first time.
With a global avocado market worth approximately $8 billion (USD) in 2020, and expected to grow to $17billion (USD) by 2025, the World Avocado Congress has become the most prestigious global event to celebrate the avocado sector.
Jen Scoular, chief executive of New Zealand Avocado and President of the World Avocado Congress Committee, said that after the challenges of the global pandemic, New Zealand was delighted to welcome the global avocado community to showcase New Zealand.
“Borders are reopening. Tickets are live on our new website. New Zealand and the avocado sector is open for business and we invite you to join us for the 10th World Avocado Congress in April 2023,” she said.
Taking place from 2-5 April 2023 at the Aotea Centre in Auckland, the World Avocado Congress is anticipated to attract more than 1000 people from 50 countries, including some of the brightest minds in avocados; international growers, researchers, marketers, retailers, tech innovators and investors. “The World Avocado Congress will showcase New Zealand’s leadership in avocado growing, sustainable environmental practice, beautiful orchards, ethical work treatment and great tasting avocados,” said Scoular.
“We’re excited to have the scientific, technical and marketing brains of the global avocado community in NZ, sharing their knowledge, hearing about our industry, and being part of the collective approach seeking to increase both supply and demand of avocados.”
Once in a lifetime opportunity
“This is also a once in a lifetime opportunity for New Zealand’s avocado community to access global avocado experts and apply this knowledge to New Zealand’s unique avocado growing conditions and challenges. “
The congress will include a three day academic programme with international keynote speakers. Topics will include sustainability, production and productivity, breeding and genomics, pest and disease management, extension, agritech, post-harvest supply chain, nutrition in human health and international reports. Regional field days will take place prior to the event.
“Conversations remain ongoing regarding sponsorships and event partnerships, so don’t hesitate to get involved,” said Scoular.
To date, Mission Produce – one of the largest avocado growers and marketers in the world – has joined as the first global foundation partner. New Zealand sponsors include Darling Group, Avoco, Radfords Software and Seeka. Event partners include Plant & Food Research, Auckland Unlimited, Tourism New Zealand and Horticulture New Zealand.
In 2019, New Zealand won the bid to host the 10th World Avocado Congress and was up against Mexico, the largest avocado exporter in the world, and Kenya, the sixth largest exporter of avocados globally. Held every four years, previous congresses have been hosted in Colombia, Peru, Australia and Chile.
New Zealand has nearly 5,000ha of avocado orchards and contributes two percent of global avocado production. It is the world’s ninth largest avocado exporter.
Over the past financial year, New Zealand’s avocado industry value increased significantly to $234 million (NZD), with record values achieved in both export and the New Zealand market from 8.2 million trays harvested.
