Premium Australian avocados have officially hit the Indian market, with Austrade South Asia announcing on LinkedIn that the creamy, nutrient-rich fruit is now in season and ready for export.
Praised for their vibrant colour, long shelf life and consistent quality, Australian avocados are gaining popularity in India’s cafes and among health-conscious consumers—many of whom have developed a taste for them through avocado toast served in Australian-style cafés.
This growing appetite aligns perfectly with Australia’s expanding market access under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA). The deal, which came into effect in late 2022, has already cut import tariffs on avocados from 30% to 17.1% by 2024, with a complete phase-out by 2028.
The tariff cuts give Australia a competitive edge over other avocado-exporting nations and have spurred increased demand—India imported nearly AUD4.8 million worth of avocados in 2024 alone.
This success follows the removal of a major technical barrier in 2023, when Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) finalised market access protocols with India’s Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Trial shipments were supported by Austrade officials, who facilitated business connections, attended trade events, and helped ensure smooth customs and quarantine clearance.
Bhavin Kadakia, Austrade’s Business Development Director, earlier observed India’s improving cold supply chains are opening up new possibilities for Australian exporters. These include both the fast-growing HORECA (hotel, restaurant, café) sector and traditional wholesale markets like mandis, run by Agriculture Produce Market Committees (APMCs).
Other Australian fruits are also benefitting under the AI-ECTA, with tariff reductions now applying to apricots, kiwifruit, macadamias, blueberries and cherries. Citrus and pears are covered by a separate quota-based system.
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