ALMOND exports boomed in the first quarter of this year, according to a report released last week by Euromonitor International.
The report, compiled for Horticulture Innovation Australia, found almond export volumes increased 74 per cent from January to March this year in comparison with the corresponding period last year.
India was the dominant market in the period, taking more than 31 per cent of export volumes.
“India remained the largest export destination for Australian almonds with 1888 tonnes,” the report said.
“Australia exported 1309 tonnes of almond kernels to Spain, the second-largest export market in quarter one.”
Italy and Sweden, which did not import Australian almonds in the first quarter of last year, imported 233 tonnes and 137 tonnes respectively. in the first quarter of this year.
The report also found avocado exports had performed well in the first quarter of this year, increasing 10 per cent on last year.
Malaysia and Singapore remained the key export destinations for Australian avocados, representing 82 per cent of export volumes in this quarter.
“Only 5 per cent of domestic Australian avocado production is exported, predominantly destined for Asian markets,” the report said. “In 2016 Australia represented 50 per cent of Malaysia’s 2076 tonnes of imports, growing by 67 per cent from 2015.
“Imports have steadily grown year-on-year, because the hass variety of avocados supplied from Australia are preferred by customers.”
And Thailand and Japan will become export markets for avocados with Australia close to establishing export agreements with both countries.
Dried grape exports also lifted in the first quarter of this year, increasing 29 per cent.
Dried-grape export volumes to China and the US saw the most substantial growth at 2100 per cent and 1800 per cent during the quarter, increasing from a low base the previous year.
Horticulture Innovation Australia chief executive John Lloyd said the export data, which would continue to be released quarterly, was a useful tool for Australian exporters and those who aspired to trade.
“This trade performance data will give Australian growers the tools they need to gauge what is happening in markets around the world to identify potential market opportunities and, where necessary, adjust their farm operations and marketing accordingly,” Mr Lloyd said.
source: Weekly Times