New Zealand Avocado Season in Bangkok takes off Rapid growth in avocado exports to Thailand continues to surge, driven by health awareness and New Zealand avocado nutrient benefits

Bangkok, Wednesday 3rd October 2018: New Zealand Avocado officially launched the New Zealand avocado season in Thailand today, heralding the growing consumption of the highly nutritious, delicious ‘wonder-fruit’ in Thailand.

The New Zealand avocado season launch event was hosted by avocado ambassador Patcharasri “Kalamare” Benjamas and catered by Ian Kittichai at his Cuisine Concept kitchen, Ekkamai. A special giveaway competition ‘Experience New Zealand’ was announced, which will see a group of lucky contestants from Thailand, Singapore and Japan win a trip to discover New Zealand in 2019!
Opened by New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Right Honourable Winston Peters, the event showcased the growing interest and increasing popularity of New Zealand avocados in Thailand.

New Zealand Trade Commissioner Ryan Freer commended the ongoing success and growth of the New Zealand avocado industry and commented on the strong relations being built between New Zealand and Thailand.

“Thailand is a leading market for New Zealand avocado consumption growth in Asia. We have seen a growing interest from Thai consumers seeking premium imported produce from New Zealand, and New Zealand avocados are benefitting from a healthy diet and lifestyle trend.” Mr Freer said.

New Zealand grown avocados have unique nutrient qualities, containing double the vitamin B6 and 20% more folate than those grown in other parts of the world. Vitamin B6 helps fight fatigue and folate is an essential nutrient for mothers and healthy development of children and infants.
Demand for New Zealand avocados in Thailand has experienced significant growth in the past five years, from 3,000 trays imported in 2013 to a forecast 150,000 trays for 2018. One tray is equal to 5.5kgs.

NZ Avocado CEO Jen Scoular said, “Mandatory industry standards and innovative systems are keys to enable New Zealand to produce and consistently supply premium quality, safely farmed, sustainable avocados. As a result, New Zealand avocados are gaining more popularity and preference in Thailand and global export markets.”

New Zealand avocados are growing in popularity with premium avocados being sought out by culinary experts, foodies and those seeking a healthier lifestyle. The New Zealand avocado season typically runs September through to March the following year.

“The avocado is now becoming more of a staple ingredient in households and restaurants in Thailand – people appreciate the delicious, creamy taste and the nutritional benefits.” commented Chef Ian Kittichai.

New Zealand Avocado season in Bangkok will involve a series of activities to encourage everyone to experiment with avocados. The opening day featured iconic Chef Ian Kittichai (Pongtawat “Ian” Chalermkittichai) at his private kitchen ‘Cuisine Concept’ in Ekkamai. Chef Ian, of television’s Iron Chef, Master Chef fame & owner of Issaya Restaurant, Silom, created the arrangement of dishes and conducted a live demonstration joined by his Right Honourable Winston Peters trying his hand at preparing an Avocado & Blue Swimmer Crab Roulade.

New Zealand avocado continues working with local chefs and restaurants to design and promote avocado menus including partners Kai – New Zealand Restaurant, Veganarie Concept – with its vegan only menu, and The Haas – Thailand’s first and only ‘avocado themed’ restaurant!

EXPERIENCE NEW ZEALAND COMPETITION

This year New Zealand Avocado rewards avocado lovers in Thailand with the launch of the ‘EXPERIENCE NEW ZEALAND’ competition.

Contestants need to find a teammate and apply online on facebook @nzavocado.th, posting a video of ‘why they love New Zealand avocados and why they want to experience New Zealand’. Five teams of two will be selected to compete in five ‘New Zealand’ themed challenges for a chance to win an all expenses paid trip to New Zealand in February 2019.

Competition winners will enjoy the wonderful sites of New Zealand. Starting in Auckland, visiting Waitomo glow worm caves, Hobbiton film set from ‘Lord of the Rings’, volcanic lakes of Whakapapa, hiking in the mountain trails of Rotorua, experiencing local Maori performances and visiting the farmlands of the Bay of Plenty where a large amount of New Zealand avocados are exported from. The competition opens on 5th October onward. So don’t miss out – you have to be in it to win it!

About New Zealand Avocado

 

The New Zealand avocado industry is vibrant and growing with a vision and strategy in place to quadruple sales to $280m and triple productivity by 2023. The industry is pursuing exciting opportunities in both export and the New Zealand markets, supported by innovation and collaboration with stakeholders and with new partnerships with the Crown and Crown Research Institutes.

New Zealand currently produces less than 2% of the global supply but is the ninth largest international avocado exporter. There are over 4,000 hectares of avocado trees planted in New Zealand, primarily in the Bay of Plenty and Northland.

For more information visit www.nzavocado.co.nz or follow us on social @NZ_Avocado @Jen_Scoular