Leslie Massey
Australia's diverse climate allows for the cultivation of a wide range of fruits, from tropical lychees and dragon fruit to apples, pears, and stone fruit. While the country experienced a decrease in fruit consumption between 2018 and 2020 due to drought conditions, the industry has since recovered, with fresh fruit consumption increasing from 2020 to 2022. In terms of production, oranges took the lead in 2023, with bananas following closely behind. While consumer favorites vary, mangoes and bananas are commonly mentioned.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most popular fruit | Banana |
| Second most produced fruit | Oranges |
| Fruits grown in Canada | Apples, pears, peaches, strawberries, grapes, cherries, berries, cantaloupe, plums |
| Fruits grown in Australia | Apples, pears, peaches, apricots, plums, nectarines, mangoes, Bananas, passionfruit, dragon fruit, lychees, citrus fruits, berries |
| Fruits imported from New Zealand | Avocados, kiwis |
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What You'll Learn
Bananas are the second most produced fruit in Australia
Australia's fruit production has been impacted by several factors in recent years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which influenced consumer purchasing behaviour and led to a rise in online shopping. Additionally, the country experienced a drought in 2018 and 2019, which reduced fruit supply and increased prices, resulting in a decline in fruit consumption. However, in 2021, fruit consumption increased by 2% due to population growth and a shift towards healthier eating habits.
Amid these dynamics, bananas have emerged as a significant fruit in Australia's production landscape. In the financial year 2023, bananas were the second most produced fruit in the country, with a total volume of approximately 374 thousand metric tons. This places bananas just behind oranges, which topped the production charts with over 535 thousand metric tons.
The popularity of bananas in Australia is evident, with some Australians expressing their fondness for banana sandwiches and mashed banana and honey sandwiches from their childhood. Bananas are also versatile, featuring in various dishes, including toast with sliced banana, honey, and peanut butter, or even grilled sandwiches with a touch of Nutella or sugar.
While bananas hold a prominent position in Australia's fruit production, the country also produces a diverse range of other fruits. Australia's varying climates, including tropical, Mediterranean, and cool-temperate zones, enable the growth of apples, pears, stone fruits, citrus fruits, berries, lychees, dragon fruit, and more. This diversity ensures that Australian consumers have access to a wide array of fresh and exotic fruits, contributing to the country's dynamic fruit industry.
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Mangoes are a popular choice among Australians
Mangoes are among the wide range of fruits available in Australia, which also includes lychees, dragon fruit, apples, and pears. The availability of certain fruits in Australia is due to its varying climates, which encompass tropical, Mediterranean, and cool-temperate zones.
While mangoes are a popular choice for Australians, the country also imports a significant amount of fresh fruit. The United States is the second-largest supplier of fresh fruit to Australia, with a 41% market share in 2022. This is due to the well-established reputation of the US for producing high-quality and safe fruits.
Demand for fresh fruit in Australia decreased from 2018 to 2020 due to a drought that limited supply and increased prices. However, in 2021, consumption increased by 2% due to a combination of factors, including population growth, healthier eating habits, and increased demand for convenience.
In terms of production, oranges were the top fruit in Australia in fiscal year 2023, with a volume of over 535 thousand metric tons, followed by bananas, which accounted for around 374 thousand metric tons.
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Oranges were the most produced fruit in Australia in 2023
While Australians have shown interest in a variety of fruits, including mangoes, bananas, watermelon, passionfruit, grapes, oranges, pears, pineapple, and avocado, it is interesting to note that in terms of production, oranges took the lead in 2023.
In the fiscal year 2023, the total volume of oranges produced in Australia exceeded 535 thousand metric tons, making it the most produced fruit in the country. This significant production volume showcases the importance of orange cultivation in Australia's agricultural landscape.
In comparison, bananas were the second most produced fruit, with approximately 374 thousand metric tons. While bananas held a substantial position in the Australian market, they fell behind the impressive numbers achieved by orange producers.
The year 2023 witnessed a thriving orange production industry in Australia, contributing to the country's overall fruit production and agricultural success. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of Australian farmers and the favorable conditions for orange cultivation in the region.
However, when it comes to production value, table grapes took the lead in 2023, with a value of about 919 million Australian dollars, followed by apples, which contributed approximately 647 million Australian dollars. This indicates that while oranges were the most produced in terms of volume, other fruits surpassed them in terms of economic value.
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Avocados are New Zealand's top export to Australia
While bananas, mangoes, and oranges are among the most popular fruits in Australia in terms of consumption, avocados from New Zealand are in high demand. In fact, avocados are New Zealand's third-largest fresh fruit export, and Australia is the largest single market for these avocados, importing nearly 80% of export-grade fruit.
Avocados are native to South America, and their seeds were brought to New Zealand in the early 1900s. Since then, the industry has grown significantly, with the 2020-21 season seeing a total value of $230 million, up from $60 million in 2012. The Bay of Plenty in the North Island is the main growing region for avocados in New Zealand.
New Zealand avocado exporters have a market development strategy to support the growth of avocado markets, particularly in Asia, as an increase in Australian-grown avocado supply is forecast over the next five years. In 2020, 85% of New Zealand's avocado exports went to Australia, with the remaining 15% going to Asia. However, by 2025, it is predicted that only 50% of the export volume will go to Australia, with the other 50% destined for Asian markets.
Australia's loss of phytosanitary access to Thailand in 2012 has provided an opportunity for New Zealand to become the only country with legal access for avocado exports to this market. Additionally, New Zealand avocados are exported to Singapore, South Korea, Japan, the USA, and other Southeast Asian countries. The industry's focus on quality, food safety, and sustainability ensures that New Zealand avocados are highly regarded in these markets.
Overall, avocados are a significant export product for New Zealand, and Australia remains their top market, despite increasing competition from other avocado-producing countries and regions.
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Demand for fresh fruit decreased in Australia from 2018-2020
Australia has a well-developed market for fresh produce, including imports, and is a crucial market for US fresh fruits. This is due to the year-round demand for high-quality products and the well-established reputation of the US for producing safe and quality fruits. However, between 2018 and 2020, Australia experienced a decrease in fruit consumption. This decline in demand for fresh fruit was caused by a drought in 2018 and 2019, which limited the supply of fruit. As a result, prices for fresh fruit increased, deterring consumers from purchasing.
During this period, consumers may have opted for other options, such as frozen fruits or alternative sources of nutrients. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic emerged during this timeframe, significantly impacting consumer food purchasing behaviour. The growth of online shopping and changes in dietary preferences may have also contributed to the decreased demand for fresh fruit in Australia.
The drought conditions ended in 2021, leading to a recovery in the fresh fruit industry. Australia saw an increase in fruit consumption by 2%, attributed to the restored supply, population growth, and a shift towards healthier eating habits. Initiatives by the Australian Government to promote healthy eating have further contributed to the recovery, with food experts predicting a positive outlook for the industry.
While mangoes, bananas, and berries are among the popular fruits in Australia, the country also sources a variety of fresh produce from different regions. New Zealand, known for its avocado and kiwi exports, is a significant supplier to Australia. The US, with its reputation for quality and safe fruits, is the second-largest supplier of fresh fruits to Australia, capturing 41% of the market in 2022.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia's most popular fruit by sales is the banana.
Other popular fruits in Australia include apples, pears, mangoes, oranges, and stone fruits.
Fruits that are not native to Australia, such as tropical fruits, may be less popular or more expensive.
Australia has a wide range of unusual fruits due to its varying climates, including durian, dragon fruit, lychees, and mangosteen.
