Australia's $1Bn tree nut industry meets in Melbourne
Collectively these Australian grown tree nuts have a farm gate value close to $1 billion and represent close to 50% of all Australian horticultural exports. The industry has experienced unprecedented growth over the last decade, with value of production almost trebling since 2011. Exports have quadrupled in the same period.
For the past two conferences the industry has included the cashew sector through the Australian Cashew Association and the Australian peanut industry in the conference, acknowledging that most supply chain businesses handle a full range of nuts.
“Attendance at the Australian Nut Conference is essential for anyone doing business involving nuts in Australia. An estimated 70% of the Australian nut trade will be represented across the two days and we are pleased to see international participation growing from conference to conference’ says Mr Jolyon Burnett, Chair of the Australian Nut Industry Council (ANIC). “The growth and success of the conference is not surprising given the strong demand for Australian nuts. Nuts are ticking all the boxes for consumers right now. We are healthy, versatile, tasty and fit almost any diet regime” he said.
The conference will be opened by leading social demographer Bernard Salt, with delegates hoping he can do for nuts what he did for smashed avocado. Mr Salt will be sharing insights into how to engage with consumers of the future. Market research companies Nielsen Retail Solutions and Colmar Brunton will provide more detail on the behaviour of Australian nut consumers, in particular, the millennials. This research shows the potential to add $300 million to retail sales by increasing frequency of purchase.
One of the key drivers of nut consumption are their well-documented health benefits. Local and international health experts will present the latest research findings. Prof. Jorge Salas-Salvado from Spain, Prof. Katie Allen and Vicki McWilliam from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and Prof. Catherine Itsiopoulos from LaTrobe University will present the latest findings on why nuts continue to be an essential component in any healthy diet.
The program will also focus on continuing to grow Australian nut exports on the back of the recent free trade agreements. The industry has capitalised on the reduction in tariffs for Japan, South Korea and China with exports rising from $44 million in 2014 (pre-FTA) to $114 million in 2016. International China expert, Mr Loren Puette of ChinaAg will update delegates on this important and rapidly growing market for Australian nuts.
The conference commences 9am Tuesday 28th March at the Pullman Melbourne Albert Park and concludes 3.30pm Wednesday 29th March.
For more information:
Chaseley Ross
Australian Nut Industry Council
Mob: +61 409 707 806
exec@nutindustry.org.au
www.nutindustry.org.au