Shiploads of avocados arrive in India, with Pemberton orchard boasting big haul

Shiploads of West Australian avocados have arrived in India, with a Pemberton orchard boasting the biggest export numbers in the growing new market.

More than 320 tonnes of the fruit — valued at more than $1.6 million — has been exported to India via sea freight, with most supplies coming from Delroy Orchards, based in the Southern Forests region near Pemberton

The first commercial shipment arrived late last year after the removal of a 30 per cent tariff on Australian Hass avocados as part of the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement.

Fruit from Delroy Orchards is currently packed in Donnybrook with plans to expand the packing operation to a new facility in Waroona, which is expected to support local jobs.

The State Government said the appetite for WA avocados was continuing to grow with increasing demand in India, the Middle East and across Asia.

They said avocados were the State’s highest value fruit industry, reaching record production of 65,000 tonnes in 2023-24, with supplies building as orchards at Gingin, Carabooda, Busselton, Manjimup and Pemberton come to full maturity in the next five years.

Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie said she was pleased Delroy Orchards had been involved in the market’s growth.

“I congratulate Delroy Orchards on their success and for blazing the trail for exports of high-quality Western Australian avocados to India,” she said.

“Western Australian avocados are the best in the world, and I am keen to help the hardworking producers in my electorate capitalise on new market opportunities and to diversify Western Australia’s economy.”

Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis said the State Government was “working hard” alongside industry to establish WA as the “go-to” international avocado exporter.

“Initiatives such as international trade promotions and missions showcasing our State’s premium produce helps to capture invaluable new customers and helps Western Australian farmers to flourish,” she said.

“An increased demand for our agricultural products overseas means more local jobs and stronger regional economies.”

The homegrown avocados are being showcased this week at the State Government-supported trade promotion in India, which is also backed by Avocados Australia and the Federal Government.