Tag: avocado

  • Avocadoria Spreads its Avocado Delights to Bangkok: Dessert Chain’s Third Global Leap

    Avocadoria Spreads its Avocado Delights to Bangkok: Dessert Chain’s Third Global Leap

    Avocadoria, a dessert chain based in the Philippines, is breaking into the Thai market, further broadening its international reach. This will be the third overseas venture for the brand, following its successful introductions in Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.

    Avocadoria has joined forces with local franchise group J&G Green Delights to launch its debut store in Bangkok. The new location is situated within Rama 9 Mall and offers a variety of avocado-centric desserts. Among the offerings are parfaits, popsicles, ice cream, shakes, and cheesecakes, all with a unique avocado twist.

    Success Story of Avocadoria

    Avocadoria was established in 2019 by Czarina Jagto-Sevilla. In a relatively short span of time, the brand has seen impressive growth, boasting 263 branches globally. Its signature item is the “Lover” series. This is a soft-serve ice cream concoction, featuring layers of cream, biscuits, tapioca pearls, nuts, seeds, and of course, fresh avocado.

    The Bangkok branch will also showcase other flavours like Pistachio Knafeh, Avocado Biscoff, and Naked Avocado Light Ice Cream. Additionally, customers can choose from six different types of avocado shake, each with the option of adding personalized toppings.

    Aligning with Local Food Culture

    Jagto-Sevilla expressed that the expansion into Thailand aligns well with Avocadoria’s brand positioning, given the country’s rich food culture. She emphasized that this move represents more than just growth for the company. It is an opportunity to share their story and their culture, all while bringing moments of joy to consumers through their unique desserts.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Avocadoria?
    Avocadoria is a dessert chain based in the Philippines that specializes in avocado-based desserts such as parfaits, popsicles, ice cream, shakes, and cheesecakes.

    Where has Avocadoria expanded to?
    Avocadoria has recently expanded into Thailand, which marks its third international market after Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.

    What is the signature dessert of Avocadoria?
    The brand’s signature dessert is the “Lover” series, a soft-serve ice cream layered with cream, biscuits, tapioca pearls, nuts, seeds, and fresh avocado.

  • Revolutionizing Retail: Australia’s Innovative In-Store Avocado Ripeness Scanner Trial

    Revolutionizing Retail: Australia’s Innovative In-Store Avocado Ripeness Scanner Trial

    In the competitive world of retail, customer satisfaction is key, and the avocado industry is no exception. A common issue faced by both retailers and consumers is determining the ripeness of an avocado on a supermarket shelf. Avocados Australia, an industry association, has introduced a potential solution to this problem – an in-store ripeness scanner.

    Understanding Customer Frustration

    According to John Tyas, the CEO of Avocados Australia, one of the major frustrations faced by consumers is identifying the ripeness of an avocado. This is important because approximately 75% of consumers want to buy avocados that are ready to be eaten within two days. Tyas believes that helping consumers with this selection process can enhance their eating experiences, minimize bruising of the fruit, and strengthen the overall trust in Australian avocados.

    The Ripeness Scanner

    The ripeness scanner aims to minimize the physical handling of avocados, which often leads to bruising. Data shows that about 47% of consumers handle three or more avocados before making a purchase, resulting in product loss for both growers and retailers. The scanner, developed by the Dutch agri-tech firm OneThird, not only reduces the need for physical handling but also prevents potential damage to the fruit.

    The scanner utilizes near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to assess the firmness of the fruit without causing damage, thereby helping to estimate the fruit’s readiness for consumption. The device also provides storage guidance to help consumers make informed purchase decisions. This technology has undergone trials in Europe and Thailand, where it was well-received by retailers and customers.

    Benefits for the Supply Chain

    Beyond consumer use, the ripeness scanner provides retailers with valuable data on in-store conditions and purchasing patterns. This information, which includes metrics on shelf ripeness, purchasing behavior, and peak periods, can be used to optimize merchandising, inventory management, and waste reduction efforts.

    The early results are promising, with the device being used for approximately 45% of avocado sales per week in participating stores. The accompanying platform provides fresh produce managers with data to monitor product condition and support efficient stock management.

    John Tyas further emphasized that the Australian avocado industry is committed to investing in research and development to continually enhance product quality and improve the consumer experience.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the purpose of the avocado ripeness scanner?
    The scanner helps consumers select ripe avocados, reduces fruit handling and bruising, and enhances the overall shopping experience.

    How does the ripeness scanner work?
    The scanner uses near-infrared spectroscopy to assess the firmness of the fruit without causing damage. It also provides storage guidance to consumers.

    What additional benefits does the ripeness scanner provide to retailers?
    The scanner provides data on in-store conditions and purchasing patterns, which can be used to support merchandising, inventory management, and waste reduction efforts.

  • Avocado Prices Soar to Five-Year High Amid Rising Consumer Demand

    Avocado Prices Soar to Five-Year High Amid Rising Consumer Demand

    In a striking turn of events in the agribusiness sector, avocado prices have surged to VND 40,000 (approximately US$1.54) per kilogram—marking a remarkable 100% increase compared to last year and reaching the highest price point in five years. This significant hike is attributed to a notable supply shortage.

    Farmers Profit Amid Rising Costs

    Hien, a farmer from the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong, is poised to earn VND 100 million from her avocado dealings this year, reflecting a robust 60% profit margin. This profit comes amid challenges; Hoang Anh, a retailer in Ho Chi Minh City, reports a 50% drop in supply from the previous year due to low yields.

    Weather Challenges and Crop Shifts

    The avocado market has been severely impacted by adverse weather conditions that have limited production. Traders like Dang Minh Tien are noting that many farmers have opted to replace avocado trees with more profitable fruits such as durian and coffee, further exacerbating supply issues.

    Quality Assurance in Retail

    In response to the rising prices, retail chains like MM Mega Market are taking steps to assure consumers of quality. The chain now offers avocados with a green sticker to indicate that the fruits are of high quality and free from chemical residues, catering to the increasing consumer demand for premium produce.

    Area Under Avocado Cultivation Declines

    According to agricultural authorities in Lam Dong Province, the area dedicated to avocado cultivation is diminishing, with approximately 8,000 hectares currently in production, yielding around 80,000 tons annually. As farmers pivot towards crops with better profitability, the future of the avocado market remains uncertain.

    Potential Impact on the Retail Sector

    As avocado prices climb, the ripple effects on retail dynamics and consumer behavior are becoming apparent. This trend could drive consumers towards alternative fruits or encourage the cultivation of avocados in other regions, reshaping consumer trends in the fruit market. Retailers will need to adapt to these shifts to meet evolving consumer demands effectively.

  • Australian Hass avocadoes to be exported to India

    Australian Hass avocadoes to be exported to India

    The national peak avocado body has welcomed a “game changer” deal giving Australian Hass growers access to the Indian market.

    The Australian and Indian governments issued a joint statement welcoming the finalization of market access for Hass avocados.  It’s a significant boost to an industry experiencing a massive supply glut and poor returns, making it unviable for many growers.

    Avocados Australia chief executive John Tyas said the deal, alongside December’s free-trade agreement that would bring tariffs from 30 percent to zero by 2029, was monumental.

    “Having access to India along with the tariff reductions is a game changer,” Mr Tyas said.

    “We think India is going to be a great market for us to build and a great market for us to really dominate.”

    He described the deal as “massively significant”, chief executive of Avolution — Australia’s largest exporter of Australian avocados — Anthony Allen says a new market is needed.

    “It’s perfect timing in terms of the ability for the industry to move forward out of what is increased production,” he said.

    “The industry has been working on a number of export markets and this is probably one of the key ones for it actually to eventuate.”

    Avocados Australia hopes the deal will end over-supply and “glut” issues in the market, with India poised to become the world’s most populous country this year.

    “There’s a lot of people in India — nearly 1.5 billion people,” Mr Tyas said.

    “If we can get 1 per cent of people to buy Australian avocados, that’s a market of 15 million people.”

    Unlike current export markets in Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong, the enormous population in India means the Australian avocado industry only needs an incredibly small amount of Indians to purchase a single avocado to make a difference.

    Mr Allen said it could save Australian avocado growers from a “very dire-looking outlook”.

  • MasterFoods releases two new blends for brunches

    MasterFoods releases two new blends for brunches

    With cost of living on the rise, more Aussies are looking to recreate their favorite meals at home. MasterFoods is helping to recreate brunch favorites from home, with two new herb and spice blends.

    The Cafe Style range features two products: Everything Eggs Spice Blend and Avocado Smash Spice Blend, to help home cooks create their own cafe quality brunches.

    The new range is aimed at Millennials and those who love brunch culture. Cafe Style Everything Eggs Spice Blend is made with paprika and chives, made to pair with eggs – scrambled, fried or poached.

    Cafe Style Avocado Smash Spice Blend is zesty with parsley and dill, for sprinkling over avocado, or adding to your favorite avo dip, smash or spread.

    Research by Mars Food Australia, the manufacturer of MasterFoods, has found more and more people are recreating their favorite brunch occasions from home.

    MasterFoods senior brand manager Dominique Caruana said brunch accounted for 20 percent of out of home meal occasions, with eggs and avocado smash as the signature dishes of the great Aussie brunch.

    “Over the past few years, scratch cooking occasions have nearly doubled, and with more people working from home these days, a delicious brunch does not have to be only for weekends,” said Caruana.

    Mars Food Australia portfolio marketing manager Rachel Humphrey said this was a significant milestone for the company, marking the first foray for herbs and spices outside of dinner.

    MasterFoods has been blending herbs and spices for over 75 years, with our spice blends helping Aussies transform everyday meals into flavoursome dishes. But this is the first time we have targeted the millennial weekend staple of brunch, ”Humphrey said.

    The new Cafe Style range is vegan friendly, with no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives and is available nationally in Coles, and in Woolworths from August.