The New Zealand avocado industry represents a bright future for the sector, according to the Deputy Minister of AgricultureMeka Whaitiri.
In her speech at the opening of the World Avocado Congress in Auckland, Minister Whaitiri recognized the resilience of local producers, despite the recent weather problems.
“The avocado sector makes a significant contribution not only to New Zealand’s export earnings, regional economy and employment, but also to many other countries,” the minister said.
Then, he added that “Events like the World Avocado Congress are a great opportunity to celebrate the successes of the sector and collaborate in future growth opportunities.”
He was also able to express himself in relation to how the fact that the New Zealand avocado sector has been able to host this congress so soon after such a series of devastating weather events is a good example of how “things are approached in New Zealand”. .
The congress
This quadrennial congress is the world’s largest event in the avocado sector, with more than 800 delegates from 28 countries registered. This makes the 2023 Congress the largest horticultural event New Zealand has hosted in the last four years.
The Congress brings together producers, scientists, researchers, marketers, retailers, technology innovators and investors from 32 countries around the world. Among them, some 200 avocado delegates from Mexico, 80 from the United States, 130 from Australia and almost 50 from South Africa.
Congress delegates will spend two days visiting avocado operations in Glenbrook, Tapora, Whangarei and the Bay of Plenty to see innovation in the New Zealand avocado industry.
NZ Avocados Go Global
The Government continues to support the avocado sector through the work of the Ministry for Primary Industries, and by partnering with the avocado sector in the $11.4 million New Zealand Avocados Go Global programme.
This program offers best practices throughout the value chain and drives capacity and productivity to ensure consumers have access to premium Aotearoa New Zealand avocados.
NZ Avocados Go Global has allowed the avocado industry to pivot its offer towards alternative markets such as Asia. The work done to open new markets and maintain existing Asian markets has contributed to increasing the resilience of the sector.
Export volumes to Asia have more than doubled from the previous season to reach $32.9 million in value (about 42 percent of export earnings for 2021/22).
The Tiak Promise
“I also want to recognize the innovation of the Tiaki Promise in the context of this industry,” said Meka Whaitiri.
“Tiaki means caring for people and place – now and for future generations. Our New Zealand avocado industry demonstrates tiaki through its focus on economic and environmental sustainability, and a commitment to the people who work in the industry.”
“This is something foreign growers are interested in learning more about, as we welcome them to New Zealand.”
He was born in 2002 in the City of Buenos Aires, Argentina. He is currently a Literature student at the University of Buenos Aires (UBA). He participated in five editions of the Writing World Cup in Buenos Aires.
