New Delhi: Avocado and cricket have more in common than meets the eye–Brett Lee. “A diet without avocados is like going on to a field without fields,” said the former Australian cricketer. The fast bowler was in Delhi for the launch of Australian Hass avocados in India. For Lee, who is the new Australian avocado ambassador, this role gives him the opportunity to return to his “second home”.
“How are you?” he says in Hindi at the start of a press conference at the Australian High Commission, New Delhi on 9 May. Before avocados were catapulted to international fame as a superfruit, they were part of Lee’s diet. He’s been eating them since he was a child.
“Avocados keep you fit, keep your heart healthy–things we need as professional athletes,” said Lee, who is keeping a close watch on the ongoing IPL tournaments. Delhi Capitals is his pick for the top four. He’s impressed by the talent of 22-year-old Australian batsman Jake Fraser-McGurk.
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Tapping into Indian market
Avocados beat cricket at this event, which was attended by Nick McCaffrey, Australia’s acting High Commissioner to India, Brad Rodgers, Chair of Avocados Australia, and John Tyas, CEO of Australian Avocados.
“While competition exists, we believe our emphasis on quality, service, availability throughout the year and market support will set us apart,” said Tyas. The country’s representative industry body for its avocado industry is banking on Lee’s Indian connection to promote the fruit.
The cricketer won the hearts of Indians when he recorded a duet with Asha Bhosle, You’re the one for me, back in 2006.
“With Brett Lee as the brand ambassador, we are confident that Australian avocados will become a beloved fruit in Indian households, enriching meals and inspiring culinary creativity,” Tyas added.
The high tea menu showcased fusion foods like laphing with edamame and avocados, papri chaat with crackers made of millet and avocado-based chutney and masala chai opera cake with avocado.
The launch event featured avocados as the key ingredient not just in the food, but in decor as well. Arrangements of avocados and marigolds carried a message of cultural unity and ties between the two countries.
Australian Hass avocados were granted provisional access to the Indian market last year. It was announced in a Joint Statement by the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and India’s PM Narendra Modi on 11 March 2023. The access is a by-product of Australia-India Economic Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (AI-ECTA).
“We have yet to assess how the consumer responds to Australian avocados, and the rollout of the fruit is at the nascent stage. We have activated social media platforms, and also plan to focus on the health benefits of the fruit,” said a member of Avocados Australia team.
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Avocados for cricketers
The focus of the initiative is to introduce the fruit as a regular part of Indian diet and cuisine.
Avocados Australia roped in Lee for his distinctive India connection. He’s been frequenting the country since the 1990s. The cricketer, who has never shied away from expressing his love for India, gushed over the health benefits of the fruit, and why he would recommend it to professional athletes and kids alike.
“Indian cricket has gotten so much better, it is the powerhouse now. Everyone is serious about their fitness. Look at Kohli, who is so fit. Indian cricketers can also benefit from including avocados in their fitness diet,” said Lee.
He has also made a reel, emphasising the role of avocados in maintaining his fitness.
“I always judge a good hotel in Australia by the avocados they serve, and now maybe I can start that here in India too,” said Lee.
(Edited by Theres Sudeep)