Innovative Approach to Avocado Supply Chain
The Australian avocado industry launched a groundbreaking virtual reality (VR) supply chain training programme on 1st June 2026. Partnering with Woolworths, this initiative aims to enhance avocado handling from orchards to retail shelves.
Hort Innovation and the Australian Government fund the program, leveraging VR technology to simulate real-world scenarios across the avocado supply chain. It provides a scalable solution for training workers in best-practice handling techniques, accessible via VR headsets, mobile, and tablet.
Industry members trialed the picking and packing modules at the Avo Connections event in Adelaide. This event marked the culmination of a year-long collaboration between the avocado industry and Woolworths. The global first aims to deliver consistent, high-quality avocados by improving workforce skills.
“This is another great example of innovation in collaboration,” said Hort Innovation CEO Brett Fifield. “Bringing growers, supply chain partners, including Woolworths, and technology together to invest in solutions for a shared challenge and lift industry performance.”
Benefits of VR Training
The VR training equips farm and retail staff with skills to manage avocado quality through immersive, interactive scenarios. It builds muscle memory and confidence, addressing workforce turnover and seasonal labour variability.
“Each member of our supply chain, from farm to retail, plays a critical role in delivering high-quality Australian avocados to consumers,” said Avocados Australia’s CEO, John Tyas. The programme standardises training across the supply chain.
Starting 1st July, Woolworths plans to implement the training across 1,100 stores, aiming to train approximately 18,000 team members. The success of the programme will be measured through key performance indicators developed with Woolworths.
Global research by PwC indicates that VR learners can complete training up to four times faster than traditional methods. They are also significantly more confident in applying what they’ve learned.
Interested Australian avocado industry participants can access the picking and packing modules from 1st July. Further information on ordering and accessing the training will be communicated through industry channels.
Last updated: 1 June 2026, 12:45 pm
