West Australian avocado growers are eyeing the Chinese export market as the “green gold rush” of the fruit shows no sign of slowing.

Orchardists have begun harvesting what could be a record-breaking crop in the South West region.

“We’re shaping up to have WA’s largest season on record,” Bendotti Avocados’ Trevor Bendotti said.

“The previous record was set two seasons ago and we’re well on track to smash that.”A man stands with his arms folded while leaning against a stack of avocado boxes.

WA avocado exporter Trevor Bendotti says a record season is on the cards. (ABC South West WA: Pip Waller)

He said high yields and strong export demand had driven an influx of new growers.

WA produced 36,889 tonnes in the 2024/25 financial year, contributing to national output of 131,385 tonnes. 

The national record of 150,913 tonnes was set in the 2023/24 financial year.

Australia’s annual output is projected to hit 171,163 tonnes within the next two years.

A warehouse containing large conveyor belts.

The Bendotti Avocados packing shed in Pemberton.  (ABC South West WA: Pip Waller)

Avoiding an avocado glut

As production booms, concerns about oversupply and market saturation have resurfaced.

Four years ago WA avocado growers were dumping produce amid a supply glut.

Clint De Campo planted his first avocado block in Pemberton about nine years ago.

He weathered some turbulent seasons and said it was a relief to see the market finally finding its balance.

A smiling man in a cap holds a coffee while standing near a marquee and chairs in an outdoor area.

Clint De Campo has been growing the fruit for almost a decade. (ABC South West WA: Pip Waller)

“This year things are looking pretty good,” Mr De Campo said.

“Yields are up, the fruit’s clean and the prices are OK.”

Mr Bendotti believes careful planning will be key to ensuring the industry’s long-term success.

“Growing and picking without proper planning will be detrimental to everyone,” he said.

“Managing the flow of fruit through the domestic market while increasing export opportunities becomes even more critical with the additional volumes we’re seeing.”

Export markets crucial

Avocado industry leaders are placing a heavy emphasis on expanding exports in order to keep supply and demand in check.

In the past financial year, Australia exported about 14,000 tonnes out of the approximately 130,000 tonnes grown nationally. 

The year before about 20,000 tonnes were exported.

A smiling, middle-aged man with short, white hair holds a box of avocados at an outdoor market.

Brad Rodgers says China will be the industry’s next major target for exports. (ABC South West WA: Pip Waller)

Avocados Australia WA director Brad Rodgers said securing access to new markets was crucial to ensuring the industry’s growth.

“We’re rewriting our national strategy plan and export will be a big focus,” he said.

“We’re working hard to secure new market access, particularly to China.”

Due to its pest-free status, WA already has trade access to the Japanese and Thai markets, but China remains the coveted prize.

“We’ve done a lot of groundwork there as an industry,” Mr Rodgers said.

“We’ve signed MOUs [memorandum of understanding] with Shanghai markets worth around $250 million in Australian avocados, which shows just how strong their interest is.”

Formal approval to export Australian avocados to China is still being negotiated between Canberra and Beijing.

Industry leaders are confident WA growers will be ready to ship as soon as the green light is given.