Australian avocados are set to land in Chinese kitchens, following a recent industry-level deal.
Avocados Australia‘s CEO John Tyas said a $300m purchase agreement had been signed with Shanghai Huizhan at the recent China International Import Expo.
Mr Tyas said a number of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with key organisations had been signed which paved the way for future trade.
“It is now up to the Australian and Chinese Governments to determine the negotiation process and timeframe,” he said.
Mr Tyas said Shanghai Huizhan was a multi-qualification import and export trade service.
“The markets have committed to pre-orders of $300 million worth of avocados from Australian growers and exporters as soon as access is granted by the General Administration of Customs China.
“This unprecedented purchase agreement shows that Australian avocados are a valuable commodity and conducting negotiations for market access makes sense and would be in the best interests of both the Australian and Chinese Governments.
“It is clear that China is very keen to have access to Australian avocados and Australian growers and exporters are very keen to do business, we just need the technical market access.”
Mr Tyas said avocado exports to India continue after similar access was granted earlier this year.
“Exports to India have started slowly, as expected. It is a market that will take time and patience to develop but we are confident it will grow to be a substantial market in time. We supplied 523t in the first few months of access,” he said.
