Event partners announced for World Avocado Congress NZ 2023
Next April, the world’s leading avocado growers and specialists will descend upon New Zealand for the 10th World Avocado Congress. The World Avocado Congress represents an ideal opportunity for avocado industries and horticulture sectors from around the globe to come together.
Jen Scoular, CEO of New Zealand Avocado and president of the World Avocado Congress Committee, said:
“New Zealand is proud to host this prestigious international event for the first time. Taking place in Auckland from 2-6 April 2023, the World Avocado Congress will demonstrate New Zealand growing practices, 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.”
New Zealand contributes 2% of global avocado production and is the world’s ninth largest avocado exporter. The country originally won the bid to host the next world congress in 2019. New Zealand was one of three countries to put forward a bid to win the hosting rights for the 2023 event and was up against Mexico, the largest avocado exporter in the world, and Kenya, the sixth largest exporter of avocados globally. Held every four years, previous congresses have been hosted in Colombia, Peru, Australia and Chile.
To help showcase New Zealand avocados on a world stage, the initial sponsors and partners have been announced for the congress. Darling Group has been secured as the Kiwi Gold Partner, highlighting the importance of this global congress to their international business. Avoco and Radford’s Software are the first Tui Silver Sponsors and Seeka is the first Kereru Bronze Sponsor. Other event partners include Plant & Food Research (science partner), Auckland Unlimited and Tourism New Zealand.
“We are excited to announce that Mission Produce is our first global foundation partner and we warmly welcome them. With this very strong support base, we are confident in delivering an exceptional event in 2023. We are certainly open for conversations for further sponsors and partnerships,” said Scoular.
“After the global pandemic, we are delighted to welcome avocado visitors to New Zealand to showcase our industry and our beautiful country. We are also working closely with Australian Avocados to better enable congress-goers to add a trip to Australia after the congress.”
The World Avocado Congress will take place at the Aotea Centre in Auckland from 2-6 April, 2023. The congress will include a three day academic programme with international keynote speakers, regional field days and plenty of opportunity to mix business with pleasure. Tickets will be available in June 2022 on the World Avocado Congress website. The 2023 congress is anticipated to attract thousands of delegates, including some of the brightest minds in avocados including growers, researchers, marketers, retailers, tech innovators and investors.