Australia’s avocado industry is expanding its partnerships in Malaysia as exports to the region continue to grow strongly, highlighting Southeast Asia’s rising importance in the global avocado trade.
Avocados Australia has signed collaboration agreements with Monash University Malaysia and UOW Malaysia aimed at strengthening nutrition education, culinary training and industry engagement in one of its fastest-growing markets.
The partnerships come as Australian avocado exports reached 18,487 tonnes in 2025, an 8.6 per cent increase year-on-year, with export value rising to AUD99.1 million, according to the latest Australian Avocado Exports and Imports Report. Over the past decade, exports have expanded at an average rate of 26 per cent annually, reflecting growing global demand.
In Asia, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia accounted for 84 per cent of export volumes in 2025, with Malaysia recording the strongest growth among them, rising 54 per cent year-on-year.
Chairman of Avocados Australia, Matthew Kleyn, said the industry is investing in deeper collaboration with Malaysian institutions as the country emerges as a key market.
“Malaysia is an important partner for the Australian avocado industry. 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,” said Kleyn.
Australia currently holds an estimated 70 to 72 per cent market share in Malaysia and Singapore, maintaining market leadership in both countries since 2021.
The agreement with Monash University Malaysia establishes cooperation on health and nutrition education, student engagement initiatives and industry briefings focused on the nutritional profile of avocados. The collaboration aims to strengthen evidence-based health messaging while linking academic research with agrifood industry insights.
Meanwhile, the agreement with UOW Malaysia supports the Australian Fruits Culinary Training Program, a regional initiative funded by the ASEAN-Australia Centre that promotes the use of Australian horticultural produce among culinary schools and hospitality professionals across Southeast Asia.
The programme covers produce including avocados, table grapes, summerfruit and cherries, and will involve culinary workshops, demonstrations and student engagement activities with the hospitality sector.
International chef Audra Morrice is supporting the initiative as Culinary Ambassador, working with emerging chefs to incorporate Australian produce into contemporary cuisine.
The agreements were signed by Kleyn, Monash University Malaysia president and pro vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman, and UOW Malaysia vice-chancellor and chief executive officer Professor Dr Hiew Pang Leang. The ceremony was witnessed by Australia’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Her Excellency Ms Danielle Heinecke.
Across Asia, avocado imports reached 181,635 tonnes in 2025, up 26 per cent year-on-year, underscoring the region’s growing role in shaping global demand for the fruit.
For the Australian industry, Malaysia’s strong consumption growth is expected to remain central to its Southeast Asian expansion strategy. 