Australian almond industry eyes Asia expansion

Australian almond growers look set to benefit from a renewed industry focus on export development as the Almond Board of Australia (ABA), in partnership with Hort Innovation, launches the next phase of its Market Development and Market Access project.

The project aims to diversify export opportunities, deepen consumer engagement and reinforce Australia’s reputation for quality and innovation, according to a media release from Hort Innovation.

With annual production forecast to reach 130,000 tonnes, the industry is targeting export growth across a range of markets. The programme prioritises markets based on trade access conditions, economic indicators and consumer trends, with China, India and South-East Asian markets such as Indonesia and Malaysia identified as priority markets.

“Australian almond growers are at the forefront of global innovation, delivering premium quality and unmatched versatility to markets worldwide,” said Brett Fifield, CEO at Hort Innovation. “This project is about building on our strengths, deepening engagement, and ensuring our growers continue to thrive in a dynamic global landscape.”

Merbein almond grower Neale Bennett said the project is vital to ensuring the profitability of growers and the wider industry. “Almond buyers are actively seeking out Australian almonds, especially in our key markets like China and India and it will be great to build on this momentum,” he noted.

The project builds on the success of the Love Aussie almonds – They’ll Love You Back campaign, which has unified messaging across audiences and introduced Murray the Almond Kangaroo as a brand ambassador.

“This refreshed strategy elevates the premium quality, health benefits, and culinary versatility of Australian almonds, inspiriting innovation and global recognition,” Hort Innovation said in its release.

The project (AL24002) is funded by Hort Innovation, using the almond research and development levy and contributions from the Australian government.