Australian almond growers are set to benefit from a major strategic push to expand market access and premium positioning, as the Almond Board of Australia (ABA) in partnership with Hort Innovation launches the next phase of its Market Development and Market Access project.
Backed by robust production forecasts and a data-driven approach, the project aims to diversify export opportunities, deepen consumer engagement, and reinforce Australia's reputation for quality and innovation.
With an annual production forecast of 130,000 tonnes, it seeks to prioritise markets based on trade access, economic indicators, and consumer trends - with China, India, Southeast Asia, including Indonesia and Malaysia identified as priority markets.
Brett Fifield, CEO at Hort Innovation said: "Australian almond growers are at the forefront of global innovation, delivering premium quality and unmatched versatility to markets worldwide. 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."
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, inspiring innovation and global recognition. Notably, the campaign has attracted interest from international organisations and industry leaders, underscoring its effectiveness.
This project (AL24002) is funded by Hort Innovation, using the almond research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government.