Australia's horticulture sector has delivered a year of record‑breaking performance, with the 2024/25 Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook revealing the industry has achieved its highest production value to date of $18.4 billion, up 6% on the previous year.
Hort innovation's Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook is the most comprehensive source of national industry data, covering production volumes, values, trade performance and long‑term trends across more than 70 horticulture categories.
Key findings include:
Fruit leading the growth: The fruit sector again led national growth, with production values reaching a record $7.3 billion, underpinned by major increases in avocados, table grapes, and citrus production value. Citrus alone reached its highest ever farmgate value of more than $1.2 billion, while bananas, melons and dried grapes also hit new highs.
Vegetables see value climb: Vegetables recorded their highest value on record at $6 billion, increasing 6% in 2024/25 despite a slight fall in production volume - driven by potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce and capsicums.
The world goes nuts for Australian nuts: The nut sector continued its expansion, climbing 13% to reach a record $1.7 billion in production value. Almonds remained the standout, with production value rising 20% and export value hitting a record $1.3 billion, the highest of any horticultural export.
Greener spaces nurturing the sector: The nursery sector continued its upward trajectory, increasing 4% to reach $2.8 billion, continuing to serve as one of the largest categories in the horticulture sector.
"Each year the Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook provides a clear picture of how our growers are performing, and this year's results show an industry that is scaling with strength. Powered by strong domestic demand, improving seasonal conditions and surging export performance across major commodities, the results show an industry continuing to scale and strengthen, despite the ongoing external pressures and cost challenges the industry faces," Hort innovation CEO, Brett Fifield, said.
"We've seen record gains across fruit, vegetables and nuts, complemented by extraordinary export performance. As the industry continues to evolve and innovate, this data helps guide investment, identify opportunities, and ensure growers can not only remain globally competitive but continue to grow their profitability over time."
