Avocados Australia has signed a AUD $300 million purchase agreement with Shanghai Huizhan International Trading Co. Ltd. during the China International Import Expo (CIIE) held in Shanghai from November 5 to 10. The agreement, which is contingent upon market access approval by the General Administration of Customs China, marks a significant step in advancing the export of Australian avocados to China.
A delegation from Avocados Australia, including Chair Matt Kleyn, Deputy Chair Lucia Philip, CEO John Tyas, and Australian avocado growers and exporters, attended the event to strengthen market access for Australian avocados. The agreement reflects the high demand for Australian avocados in China and highlights the ongoing efforts to secure the necessary approvals for trade.
In addition to the purchase agreement, Avocados Australia signed several Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with key organizations, including JD Super, a leading e-commerce platform; Joy Wing Mau, China’s largest fruit importer; and the China Chamber of Commerce of Import & Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-Products (CFNA). These partnerships aim to support the expansion of Australian avocado exports to China.
The Australian avocados’ presence at the CIIE attracted considerable attention, with many Chinese delegates expressing interest in the product. To promote Australian avocados, Avocados Australia partnered with More Yoghurt, a Chinese company, to provide avocado smoothies made from fresh Australian avocados at the event. The initiative was supported by several organizations, including the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), Austrade, and logistics partners DHL and Cosco, who helped facilitate the export of one tonne of Australian avocados under special protocol conditions.
The overwhelming interest at the CIIE underscores the potential for Australian avocados in the Chinese market. John Tyas, CEO of Avocados Australia, noted the strong demand for the product, stating, “It is clear that China is very keen to have access to Australian avocados, and Australian growers and exporters are very eager to do business. We just need the technical market access.”
Avocados Australia continues to work towards securing market access for avocados in China, following the Australian Government’s current priority for apples and blueberries. The organization remains optimistic that once apples are approved, avocados will be included in the next phase of market access negotiations.
Avocados Australia also expressed gratitude to the Queensland Government and Trade and Investment Queensland for their support in promoting Australian avocados at the event, as well as to the growers who contributed to the media program in China.
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