The Australian passionfruit industry
Passionfruit: The Tropical Twist Your Drinks Deserve
Passionfruit are an essential part of many Australian family celebrations, breakfasts or favourite fruit snacks.
For the year ending June 2025:
• 5522 t was produced
• The value of production was $30.8 m while the wholesale value of the fresh supply was $35.9m
• 19% of Australian households purchased fresh passionfruit, buying an average of 320g per shopping trip
• The consumption per capita was 180g, based on the volume supplied
The Australian passionfruit industry is valued at approximately $30.8 million, producing around 5,522 tonnes of fruit each year. The majority of production is sold as fresh fruit on the domestic market, with only 456 tonnes directed to processing.
The industry aims to increase demand through targeted marketing initiatives, improved fruit quality, and the development of export market opportunities. However, low prices for factory-grade fruit make it difficult to discourage growers from sending lower-grade fruit to central markets. This highlights the need to develop value-added products that provide a more profitable pathway for factory-grade fruit.
The industry has strong engagement with independent retailers, helping ensure higher-quality fruit reaches consumers and supporting better returns for growers. However, greater engagement with major retailers is needed to ensure passionfruit is presented and displayed in ways that maximise quality, pricing and consumer satisfaction. Improved and consistent data collection on forecasting, production and fruit quality will also be important to support stronger collaboration with retailers.
Pests and diseases remain significant challenges, affecting both production and supply consistency. In addition, passionfruit varieties lose vigour over time, making the development of new disease-resistant varieties a key priority. Addressing these challenges will require continued investment in variety development, maintaining and expanding chemical registrations and permits, researching new crop protection options, and promoting integrated pest and disease management practices.
To ensure all growers benefit from research, innovation and industry initiatives, the industry is committed to strengthening grower engagement and supporting the adoption of best-practice production methods. Improving communication and extension will help ensure growers across the industry have the knowledge and support needed to remain productive and profitable.
*Data from 2024/2025 Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook produced by Freshlogic and Hort Innovation.
