Australian nut industry worth almost $1 billion
Trade value constitutes sales of all tree nuts, both domestic and imported. The increase in value is a combination of the high prices nuts command in the marketplace, and increasing demand from consumers. The industry’s health awareness program, Nuts for Life, measures consumption of nuts increasing at 6% year on year for the past decade.
This issue and how the industry intends to capitalize on the current energy of the industry to establish itself for the future will be topics of discussion when the industry supply chain converges on Sydney in late April for the Australian Nut Conference (ANC). The biennial ANC brings together those involved in growing, processing, packing, retailing and manufacturing tree nuts and peanuts, and is the only event that covers the complete nut supply chain and commercial nut industries in Australia.
This year, industry updates will be headlined by two diverse keynote speakers. Mr Ashok Krishen, the Managing Director and Global Head of Edible Nuts for Olam International will speak on the challenges and opportunities facing Australia in the global nut business. Olam International is a globally integrated supply chain manager, processor and trader of soft commodities. It is the second largest grower of almonds globally, with orchards in California and Australia. Jolyon Burnett, Chair of ANIC said ‘having Ashok on the program to share his knowledge with the Australian industry is a real boost for the event and a wonderful opportunity for the Australian sector.’
In a change of pace, the second keynote speaker at this year’s conference is Teresa Cutter: The Healthy Chef. Teresa is one of Australia’s leading authorities on healthy cooking, and is also an internationally accredited fitness trainer. Her active social media audience puts her in touch with everyday consumers. As an avid user of nuts in her own diet and the recipes she creates, Teresa will share with the conference her experiences with nuts – from purchasing to taste to quality. ‘Through what she does, Teresa is connected to everyday consumers’ Jolyon Burnett said. ‘Having her share her experiences with nuts and comments from her social media channels will be a real opportunity for us to hear what the consumer thinks of our product, and the opportunities we have to extend our reach’.
The Australian Nut Conference is at the Swisshotel Sydney from 20th to 22nd April. Teresa Cutter: The Healthy Chef will appear on day 1 of the conference (Tues 21st April), and Ashok Krishen on day 2 of the conference. For program information and registration, please see www.nutindustry.org.au and follow the conference links.