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Upcoming Thai chefs compete for top honours as Australian fruit industry signs landmark education partnership in Bangkok

Avocados Australia Ltd

Finalists competed live in Bangkok as Avocados Australia and Dusit Thani College formalised a new culinary education partnership

[Bangkok] – Thailand's next generation of culinary talent went head-to-head yesterday in the final of the Australian Fruits Recipe Competition, held alongside the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Avocados Australia and Dusit Thani College.

A competition built on ingredient knowledge

The event, at Dusit Thani College's Bangkok campus, brought together emerging Thai chefs, Australian horticulture industry representatives and government officials to celebrate creative Thai and Southeast Asian dishes built around Australian avocados, table grapes and summerfruit.

Three finalists were selected from ten shortlisted recipes and were reviewed by Chef Audra Morrice. They cooked live from 10:00 am, followed by tasting, judging and individual presentations.

Judging focused on balance, technique, originality and how effectively each chef understood and used the featured Australian fruits. The winner was announced at a ceremony from 4:00 to 4:30 pm.

Part of a broader regional programme

The competition is part of the Australian Fruits Culinary Programme, a regional initiative bringing together Australian horticulture industries, culinary institutions and emerging chefs across Southeast Asia.

The programme combines culinary training, recipe competitions and industry engagement to build product knowledge, encourage locally relevant applications and strengthen long-term connections between Australian industry and the region's culinary community.

It is supported by the ASEAN-Australia Centre and the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), and delivered with Avocados Australia, the Australian Table Grape Association, Summerfruit Australia and regional education partners.

Ahead of the final, finalists took part in a culinary training programme covering the handling, ripeness, storage, preparation and menu applications of Australian fruit, designed to build genuine product understanding before creative application in the kitchen.

Formalising a lasting partnership

As part of the event, Avocados Australia and Dusit Thani College signed an MOU to formalise their relationship and establish a platform for ongoing cooperation in culinary education, ingredient knowledge and training. The MOU was signed by Dr Atthawet Prougestaporn - Rector of Dusit Thani College, Mr Brad Rodgers - West Australian avocado grower and Director of Avocados Australia, and witnessed by His Excellency Pablo Kang, Australian Ambassador to Thailand.

“Working with Dusit Thani College gives us an opportunity to build capability with the next generation of chefs and deepen their understanding of Australian avocados,” Mr Rodgers said.

“By giving students the knowledge and confidence to work creatively with our produce, we can encourage new applications that are relevant to Thai consumers and foodservice.

“This partnership is about building long-term relationships and creating stronger foundations for Australian avocados in the Thai market,” he said.

Strengthening the Australia-Thailand relationship

Ambassador Kang delivered remarks during the awards and MOU programme, presented certificates to the three finalists, and joined the signing and official photographs before the networking reception.

“This competition is a great example of the strong and practical relationship between Australia and Thailand, bringing together education, industry and emerging culinary talent,” HE Mr Kang said.

“Partnerships like this create opportunities for knowledge exchange and strengthen the people-to-people and commercial links between our two countries.

“It is particularly encouraging to see young Thai chefs engaging creatively with high-quality Australian produce and developing new ideas that reflect Thailand's dynamic food culture.”

Western Australian Hass avocados returned to Thailand in 2023. The Western Australian season runs from July to March, so Thai chefs and consumers can buy Australian avocados for much of the year, alongside Australian table grapes and summerfruit. Australia and Thailand will mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.

Event details

Australian Fruits Recipe Competition: Bangkok Final and MOU Signing Ceremony

Held on Tuesday 15 September 2026, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Dusit Thani College Bangkok Campus, 1 Srinagarindra 49 Alley, Nong Bon, Prawet, Bangkok 10250, Thailand

Competition winners

1st place: Apichaya Pubyom
2nd place: Nattawat Theeraloetphanit
3rd place: Chereen Sukphat

Apichaya Pubyom’s winning dishes

Shrimp Avocado

This dish combines creamy Australian avocado and fresh Thai shrimp, using the bold, spicy and sour flavours of traditional Thai yum, finished with crispy shrimp floss for contrasting texture. Fresh Thai herbs - shallots, chili, and coriander – finish the dish to add aromatic depth.

Summerfruit Lamoon Muan

This dish was inspired by thong muan, a crispy rolled Thai wafer said to have Portuguese dessert influences. Thai people often give "gold" rolls as gifts, since the name conveys wealth and prosperity.

The dish introduces Australian summerfruits to Thai consumers in a familiar dessert format - thong muan is a popular snack enjoyed both in Thailand and internationally.

Nectarine is contrasted with crispy thong muan, while a softer, fresh thong muan is paired with nectarine on another layer for a more delicate texture.

Complementary pastry cream and a grape-infused custard add further depth and complexity.

 

Ms Pichaya Noranitiphadungkarn, Director of Industry & International Relations - Dusit Thani College; Mr Brad Rodgers, West Australian avocado grower and Director - Avocados Australia; His Excellency Pablo Kang, Australian Ambassador to Thailand; Mr KC Liew, General Manager Southeast Asia - Avocados Australia; Dr Atthawet Prougestaporn, Rector - Dusit Thani College.

 

 

About us:

Avocados Australia Ltd. is the peak industry body representing Australian avocado growers. It works with growers, exporters, importers, retailers and international stakeholders to increase demand, strengthen supply chains and support industry development.

Contact details:

Lucy Crook | Communications Manager, Avocados Australia.

Email: [email protected]

Phone: + 61 488 384 222