Avocados intake on the rise

(Gil Ndjouwou via UnSplash)

Australians have eaten more avocados in 2022 than ever before, new research unveiled.

Figures outlined by Avocados Australia’s “Facts at a glance,” show that in the 2021 – 2022 financial year, 4.76kg of avocados were consumed per person in Australia, a pretty decent jump in comparison to last year.

Avocados Australia chief executive, John Tyas said “It’s clear that consumers took advantage of the lower prices experienced this year and ate more avocados.”

“Avocados aren’t like confectionery. If you eat a little more avocado, you don’t need to feel guilty as you are having more of something that’s healthy and nutritious.”

According to the Avocado Nutrition and Health report published by Hort Innovation this year, studies have identified that people who regularly eat avocado have a lower Body Mass Index (BMI) and noted less weight gain over time and a smaller waist.

An expert roundtable this year recommended individuals eat a 75g serving size, equal to half a medium avocado. Previous recommendations outlined 50g as the recommended intake, so anyone who has upped their avo intake has no need to feel a bit guilty.

“It is great news that Australians are eating more avocado as that means consumers are benefiting from avocado’s health-giving properties,” Mr Tyas said.

“Our facts at a glance figures are a great reference for our growers, or anyone wanting to see how our industry is performing.”

“The domestic consumption increase is a welcome trend considering that production is also expected to increase,” Avocados Australia CEO John Tyas said.

Updated long-term forecasting has suggested that Australia’s avocado production is currently expected to keep rising and hit about 170,000 tonnes by 2026, which is more than double the 2020 – 2021 crop.