MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
Date: 7 October 2026
Australian fruit industries launch culinary guide to build Southeast Asian demand
First cross-industry resource brings Australian avocados, table grapes and summerfruit into Southeast Asian kitchens
[Australia] – Avocados Australia has launched the Culinary Guide to Australian Fruits, a new practical resource designed to help chefs, culinary students, educators and foodservice professionals use Australian avocados, grapes and summerfruit in Southeast Asian cuisine.
A first-of-its-kind recipe for collaboration
The new guide is the first cross-industry culinary collaboration involving Australian Avocados, Australian Grapes and Summerfruit Australia. The guide combines culinary education and engagement to strengthen people-to-people connections and build long-term demand for premium Australian produce.
It has been developed as a practical education and training resource for young chefs, providing knowledge about Australian avocados, grapes and summerfruit, including produce characteristics, handling and culinary applications.
A taste of the bigger picture
The culinary guide is one component of the Australia Fruit Culinary Training Program - a broader initiative supported by a $200,000 grant from the ASEAN-Australia Centre. Led by Avocados Australia in collaboration with Australian Grapes and Summerfruit Australia, the multi-stage program aims to build awareness, knowledge and demand for premium Australian produce across Southeast Asia.
The program takes participants on a journey of engagement and capability building – from raising awareness via culinary ambassadors and demonstrations, to providing commodity-specific knowledge and training at culinary institutes across the region. Young and emerging chefs then apply this knowledge through culinary competitions and the development of innovative, locally relevant recipes. The program culminates in judging, showcase activities and broader media amplification.
The guide supports this training stage of the program and provides participants with a resource they can continue to reference as they develop new recipes and applications.
Serving up new market opportunities
Avocados Australia Export General Manager Flora Zhang said the guide, in conjunction with the culinary education initiatives in Southeast Asia, will help Australian produce become part of local food culture, rather than simply being viewed as imported ingredients.
“By adding or introducing Australian avocados and other fresh produce into local Southeast Asian cuisine, we can create more innovative yet nutritious options for local customers,” Flora said.
“The grant has given us the opportunity to go beyond retail and really engage with the culinary foodservice sectors. ASEAN consumers dine out quite a lot, and they get their cooking inspiration from dining out. Once they have their cooking ideas, they’ll go back to the retail chain to purchase avocados. We see retail and foodservice growing hand in hand.”
Watch the ASEAN Australia Centre’s interview with Flora Zhang and Audra Morrice on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qCrflCFdQuo
Meet the culinary ambassador inspiring chefs
Internationally recognised chef, author and Australian Avocados’ culinary ambassador, Audra Morrice, endorsed the guide and contributed recipes.
Audra helped to ensure the guide combines product knowledge, handling advice and practical applications with recipes tailored to Southeast Asian tastes and cooking styles.
“Australian avocados have long been recognised across Asia as a premium, high-quality product,” Audra said.
“This program will further deepen understanding of avocados, from cultivation and management to their diverse culinary applications. I’m genuinely excited to see how emerging chefs will showcase the incredible versatility of this fruit by applying their local spin!”
Pictured: Audra Morrice
Download the guide
A Culinary Guide to Australian Fruits (PDF) is available on the Avocados Australia website.
ENDS
About us:
About Avocados Australia
Avocados Australia is the peak industry body representing Australian avocado growers. It works with growers, exporters, importers, retailers and international stakeholders to increase demand, strengthen supply chains and support industry development.
About the ASEAN-Australia Centre
The ASEAN-Australia Centre delivers programs and initiatives that deepen Australia’s connections with Southeast Asia and ASEAN and support a peaceful, stable and prosperous region. The Centre supports the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and implementation of Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.
Contact details:
Lucy Crook | Communications Manager, Avocados Australia.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0488 384 222
