Hort Innovation is seeking a suitably qualified, experienced and capable delivery partner for the project: Renew avocado sensory research for both Hass and Shepard avocados (AV24009).

The objective of this project is to conduct research to update the avocado industry’s understanding for a mix of light, medium and heavy buyers:

1. Consumer sensory preferences and knowledge, descriptive vocabulary and purchasing behaviours regarding avocado firmness/ripeness including how consumers choose using either colour or pressure for both Hass and Shepard varieties.
2. Consumer acceptance of varying level of internal defects, including rots, bruising and flesh discolouration at different price points and how unacceptable defect levels influence purchase intent.
3. Global industry maturity standards compared to current Australian standards and Australian consumer acceptability and influence on purchase decisions at varying maturity levels for both Hass and Shepard varieties.
4. Consumer preferences and perceptions of different avocado sizes and impacts on willingness to pay at variable price points.
5. Consumer preference and used terminology to describe varietal attributes for Hass and Shepard avocados and barriers and motivators for purchase for each variety.

Hort Innovation has prepared a Request for Proposal (RFP) document that provides background information, outlines the scope of services, the procurement process and the information required from interested parties.