May 2022 update
By Jen Scoular
In April 2023, New Zealand will host the World Avocado Congress for the first time ever. As our borders reopen after the challenges of the global pandemic, we are delighted to welcome avocado visitors to New Zealand to showcase our industry and our beautiful country.
Taking place in Auckland from 2 – 6 April 2023, the World Avocado Congress will demonstrate New Zealand growing practises, food safety and quality systems, and the ethical treatment of growers and communities that live in avocado growing regions. It also provides the opportunity to access innovation, global knowledge and science to support the growth of the sector.
The World Avocado Congress takes place every four years and attracts up to 3,000 people from 50 countries. With a global avocado market worth US$8B in 2020, and expected to grow to US$17B by 2025, the congress has become the most prestigious global event to celebrate the avocado sector.
Supporting our showcase of avocados on a world stage, we’re excited to have Mission Produce, one of the largest avocado growers and marketers in the world, join as first global foundation partner. We are very pleased to have the early commitment and support of New Zealand sponsors. Darling Group is our Kiwi sponsor, Avoco and Radfords Software are Tui sponsors, and Seeka is a Kereru sponsor. We also welcome our science partner Plant & Food Research, and event partners Auckland Unlimited, Tourism New Zealand and Horticulture NZ. Conversations are ongoing regarding further sponsorships and event partnerships, so don’t hesitate to get involved.
After a tough season, the World Avocado Congress is something positive for us to look forward to. It’s an amazing opportunity to have the scientific and technical brains of the global avocado community in NZ, sharing their knowledge, hearing about our industry, and being part of the collective approach seeking to increase both supply and demand of avocados.
The congress is anticipated to attract some of the brightest minds in avocados, including growers, researchers, marketers, retailers, tech innovators and investors. The event will include a three day academic programme with international keynote speakers, regional field days and plenty of opportunity to mix business with pleasure.
With less than a year to go, a lot of preparation is required to ensure we deliver a world-class World Avocado Congress. Ultimately, we want all participants to come away and say wow!
The website will be live with ticket sales from 1 June. The exhibition stands, sponsorship packages and the portal to submit abstracts will be open 16 June. Register your interest, and get the latest updates on our website www.wacnz2023.com
