The Australian avocado industry is currently witnessing a period of unprecedented growth. In 2025 alone, export markets in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia accounted for a staggering 84% of our total export volumes. Malaysia, in particular, has emerged as a powerhouse for Australian growers, with a 54% year-on-year increase in demand.
As Australia maintains a dominant 70–72% market share in these regions, the pressure to deliver pristine, high-quality fruit has never been higher. For leading producers like Simpson Farms in Queensland, maintaining this reputation starts long before the fruit hits the retail shelf, it starts with the wash.
Australian Avocado Industry is currently witnessing a period of unprecedented growth
The Silence of the Shine & Why We Wash
While an avocado’s skin is tough, it is also the first line of defence against contamination. For the export market, washing and sanitising are not just about aesthetics; they are fundamental to food safety and biosecurity.
- Removing Field Debris: Dirt, dust, and organic matter from the orchard can harbour pathogens.
- Pathogen Reduction: Sanitisation processes (following a thorough wash) reduce microorganisms to safe levels, ensuring the fruit meets strict international food safety standards.
- Market Access: Many importing nations have “nil-tolerance” policies for soil and foreign matter. A single shipment rejection can be a costly blow to a grower’s reputation and bottom line.
Efficiency on a Global Scale
With the rapid increase in production, manual handling is no longer a viable option for Australia’s largest farms. Leading operations are increasingly turning to automated washing solutions to keep pace with demand.
At Rhima Australia, we specialise in industrial-grade washing systems designed to integrate seamlessly into high volume packing sheds. Whether it’s our RP Series Universal Washers for cleaning harvest crates or custom-built conveyor systems for the fruit itself, our focus is on three key pillars:
- HACCP Compliance: Ensuring your equipment meets the highest hygiene and quality assurance (QA) criteria.
- Water Efficiency: Our machines are engineered to minimise water and chemical usage, supporting the sustainable practices that Australian agriculture is known for.
- Labour Optimisation: Automation reduces the need for manual scrubbing and handling, allowing staff to focus on grading and quality control.
Supporting the Growth of Queensland Growers
The success of local legends like Simpson Farms highlights the importance of “state-of-the-art” technology in the supply chain. From cold pasteurisation for avocado pulp to the mechanical washing of fresh trays, the right equipment ensures that “Australian Grown” remains a global gold standard.
As we look toward 2027 and beyond, the goal for the industry is clear: continue to scale while never compromising on the cleanliness and safety of our produce.
Is your packing shed ready for the next export boom?
Explore Rhima’s range of industrial fruit and crate washers or contact our team to discuss a custom solution for your avocado processing line.
Visual representation of Rhima’s Industrial Washing Machines