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Posted by David Sexton
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6 March, 2026
STRONG growth in volumes of avocadoes exported to Malaysia show the Southeast Asia nation is an important partner, Avocadoes Australia (AA) says.
According to AA, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia accounted for 84% of Australia’s total export volumes in 2025, with Malaysia recording “particularly strong growth”, rising 54 per cent year-on-year.
AA has just signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Monash University Malaysia and a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with University of Wollongong Malaysia.
These agreements are aimed at reinforcing Malaysian collaboration across nutrition education, culinary innovation and industry engagement and form part of AA’s long-term Southeast Asia strategy.
Australian avocado exports reached 18,487 tonnes in 2025, an 8.6 per cent increase year-on-year, according to the latest 2025 Australian Avocado Exports and Imports Report.
AA chair, Matthew Kleyn said the university partnerships reflected a long-term commitment that extended beyond trade volumes.
“Malaysia is an important partner for the Australian avocado industry,” Mr Kleyn said.
“With exports growing strongly and Malaysia emerging as one of our top three markets globally, it is important that we invest not only in trade, but also in knowledge exchange, nutrition education and culinary capability that supports long-term market development.”
Avocadoes are exported via managed cold-chain, refrigerated sea freight or air freight.
Australia currently holds about 70% to 72% market share in Malaysia and Singapore.
The MOU with Monash University Malaysia is said to establish a framework for collaboration centred on health and nutrition education, student engagement initiatives and industry briefings on the nutritional profile of Australian avocados.
By connecting academic research with real-world agrifood insights, the collaboration seeks to strengthen consumer education and graduate readiness in health, nutrition and food science.
Image: Avocadoes Australia
According to AA, the MOA with UOW Malaysia formalises cooperation under the Australian Fruits Culinary Training Program, an initiative funded by the ASEAN-Australia Centre.
The program is designed to enhance knowledge and practical application of Australian horticultural produce, including avocados, table grapes, summer fruit and cherries.
The initiative is supported by Audra Morrice, internationally recognised chef and culinary ambassador under the Australian Fruits Culinary Training program.
Under the MOA, UOW Malaysia is to collaborate on culinary workshops, industry-led demonstrations and applied student engagement activities.
The agreement signings were witnessed by Australian high commissioner to Malaysia, Danielle Heinecke.
As Asian markets imported over 181,635 tonnes of avocados in 2025, up 26 per cent year-on-year, collaboration between producers and educational institutions plays an increasingly important role in supporting informed consumption, workforce development and sustainable agrifood growth across the region.
