New Zealand will present a bid to host the 2023 World Avocado Congress (WAC) during the upcoming installment of the event taking place in Colombia later this year.

If successful, this will be the first time New Zealand has hosted the event. The 2023 host will be announced at the WAC in September.

Held every four years in different countries, the WAC brings together over 2,000 of the brightest minds in avocados, including growers, researchers, marketers, innovators and investors.

“The New Zealand Avocado industry has experienced real growth with excellent returns resulting in significant new investment into the industry. This is our chance to showcase the industry and celebrate avocados here in New Zealand,” says Jen Scoular, chief executive officer of NZ Avocado.

“New Zealand has developed an amazing horticulture industry with impressive innovation, and is committed to offering our global avocado friends what may be a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit our stunning country."

Tony Ponder, chair of NZ Avocado acknowledged the opportunity for the industry and for New Zealand in seeking the hosting rights.

“It is a terrific opportunity for our own growers to attend a world event, network with some of the largest producers in the world and learn first-hand about current and emerging innovation and technology,” says Ponder.

Tourism New Zealand has also come forward to support the bid. 

“Tourism New Zealand is fully supportive of the New Zealand Avocado Growers’ Association’s bid to host the World Avocado Congress in 2023,” says Stephen England-Hall, chief executive of Tourism New Zealand.

“Events like this benefit New Zealand by bringing together local and international experts whose knowledge and experience will help boost the New Zealand avocado industry while also showcasing our expertise in this sector on the world stage.

“The avocado industry employs thousands of New Zealanders, providing jobs across the country. The congress will provide access to global science and innovation that can be used to further grow the sector, benefiting the country and New Zealanders."