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Audra Morrice - Judge on MasterChef - appointed International Culinary Ambassador for Australian Avocados

Avocados Australia

Key Facts:

Avocados Australia is proud to announce the appointment of Audra Morrice - celebrated chef and judge on MasterChef Asia and Singapore - as our new International Culinary Ambassador. This appointment is supported by the Australian Fruits Culinary Training Program funded by a grant from the ASEAN-Australia Centre (AAC).

Avocados Australia is proud to announce the appointment of Audra Morrice - celebrated chef and judge on MasterChef Asia and Singapore - as our new International Culinary Ambassador. This appointment is supported by the Australian Fruits Culinary Training Program funded by a grant from the ASEAN-Australia Centre (AAC).

This appointment marks a significant milestone in strengthening culinary, cultural, and educational ties between Australia and Southeast Asia. Through the AAC-supported program, in 2026 Audra will lead a series of culinary workshops and mentorship initiatives across Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, inspiring future chefs to create dishes that blend Australian excellence with ASEAN authenticity.

Avocados Australia believes that food is one of the most powerful connectors between people and places. Culture is the bridge so sharing our food is sharing our culture. Fiona Hoggart, Head of the ASEAN-Australia Centre at the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra, agrees.  

“Audra’s appointment as International Culinary Ambassador for Australian Avocados beautifully captures the spirit of regional collaboration we champion here at the ASEAN-Australia Centre,” she said. 

“Her passion for sustainable gastronomy and cultural storytelling will help to further deepen connections between Australia and Southeast Asia through the universal language of food.”

John Tyas, Avocados Australia’s CEO, believes Audra’s rich cultural background make her perfect for her role as Ambassador.

“Audra’s rich cultural experiences and love of Australian produce will work hand-in-hand in her role as Avocados Australia’s International Culinary Ambassador,” he said

“I am proud to welcome Audra on board, her leadership and experience make her the perfect ambassador to help young chefs in ASEAN discover how Australian avocados can elevate local flavours and dishes.”

By showcasing Australian avocados — one of the country’s most versatile and premium horticultural exports — the program seeks to deepen understanding of how provenance, sustainability and storytelling come together on the plate.

Audra Morrice was born in Singapore to a Chinese-Indian family that has been long connected to Malaysia. She epitomises cross-cultural culinary identity. Now based in Australia, she is an internationally recognised chef, author and television host whose food reflects the fusion of her heritage and global outlook.

She has a number of roles, judge on MasterChef, ASEAN-Australia Centre Advisory Board Member, an Ambassador for the Singapore Tourism Board, and Patron of the Australia Malaysia Singapore Association. All underline her deep commitment to promoting regional connection through cuisine and culture.

Audra is excited to be taking on the role: “Australian Avocados have long been recognised across Asia as a premium, high-quality product. This program will further deepen understanding of avocados, from cultivation and management to their diverse culinary applications. I’m genuinely excited to see how emerging chefs will showcase the incredible versatility of this fruit by applying their local spin!”

ENDS

 

Acknowledgements:

This initiative is funded by the ASEAN-Australia Centre - https://www.aseanaustraliacentre.org.au/ - and forms part of a broader vision to deepen educational and cultural partnerships, promote sustainable trade, and celebrate food as a universal language. The ASEAN-Australia Centre’s 2024-25 Grants Program aims to strengthen connections between Australia and Southeast Asia through initiatives in creative industries, cultural exchanges, and research.

This is an initiative of the Avocado Market Access and Trade Development Project (2024–2029) (AV23003) that has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the avocado research and development levy, and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.

About us:

About the Australian Fruits Culinary Training Program

The Australian Fruits Culinary Training Program will commence in 2026, delivering practical modules and workshops in partnership with leading culinary institutions in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. Participants will explore the versatility of Australian avocados across sweet, savoury and contemporary Asian-fusion applications — from sambal relishes to reimagined classics — while gaining insights into sustainability, supply chains and quality handling.

 

About Avocados Australia – www.avocado.org.au
Avocados Australia (AAL) is the representative industry body for the Australian avocado industry. We support Australian growers in their efforts to become world leading sustainable producers. Our vision is for the Australian avocado industry to be recognised as a globally competitive and trusted industry. Avocados Australia is working to increase demand in both our domestic and international markets, working with all parts of the chain, from production through to the consumer. By working together, we seek to continually improve the ability of growers to provide a healthy, profitable and safe product for all consumers.

For health, nutrition and recipe info, see Australian Avocados online here: australianavocados.com.au

Contact details:

Contact:  Anna Petrou, Communications Manager, Avocados Australia | 0488 384 222 or [email protected]