International avocado alumni coming to NZ!

Jen Scoular, New Zealand Avocado chief executive and president of the World Avocado Congress Committee, says the congress represents an extraordinary opportunity for the world's avocado industries and horticulture sectors to come together.

"New Zealand is proud to host this prestigious international event," she says. "The World Avocado Congress will demonstrate New Zealand food safety and quality systems, growing practices and the ethical treatment of growers and communities that live in avocado growing regions."

Scoular adds that it will also provide an opportunity to access innovation, global knowledge and science to support the growth of the sector.

First hosted in Johannesburg in 1987, the event attracts thousands of delegates, with some of the brightest and most dedicated minds in avocados - including growers, researchers, marketers, retailers, tech innovators and investors attending.

New Zealand, which contributes 2% of global avocado production (44,000 tonnes/$227m) and is the world's ninth largest avocado exporter (28,050 tonnes/$167m), won the hosting rights to the congress back in 2019.

New Zealand, Mexico (the world's largest avocado exporter) and Kenya (the 6th largest exporter) were the three countries to put forward a bid to win the hosting rights for the 2023 event, with NZ winning out.

Held every four years, previous congresses have been hosted in Colombia, Australia and Israel among others.

Scoular says following the global pandemic, NZ is delighted to welcome international avocado visitors to the country to showcase our industry.

The World Avocado Congress will take place at the Aotea Centre in Auckland. It will include a three-day academic programme with international keynote speakers, regional field days and other events.

Tickets will be available in June 2022 on the World Avocado Congress website.

www.wacnz2023.com