Australia and the Nut Industry: An Overview (2020)

Nuts and seeds are an excellent source of protein, minerals and vitamins. Hence, the Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend that all individuals should include nuts in their everyday diet. Moreover, Australia is a country that focuses on its import and export of nuts. In fact, as of June 2020, approximately 230,225 tonnes of in-shell nuts were produced. The kernel weight of this amounts to 140,676 tonnes. Furthermore, the total value of this production was worth more than $1,377.7 million, whereas the wholesale value of in-shell and kernel nuts was $1,454.3 million. In fact, it has also been noted that about 54% of Australian households purchase nuts while they shop for groceries. Additionally, the supply per capita was 4.6 kg, based on the volume that was supplied.

Tree nuts are grown all over the world, and most types are grown here in Australia. Tree nuts have been grown in Australia for over 100 years, with productivity increasing. The only nuts that aren’t grown at all in Australia are Brazil nuts, as they need the rainforests of the Amazon to grow. Almonds are grown in several regions in Australia, with five major growing regions: Adelaide and the Riverland (South Australia); Sunraysia (Victoria); Riverina (New South Wales); Swan Region (Western Australia). Almonds are also grown in the USA and Spain. Australia is the second-largest producer of almonds in the world, behind California, USA.

Historical comparison: year ending June 2019
The 2018–19 Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook recorded nut production of 215,828 tonnes on an in-shell-weight-equivalent basis, up 14% on the preceding year, and production area of 75,409 hectares, up 8%. Imports were 44,815 tonnes, up 15%, with a value of $464.3 million. Exports were valued at $1,005.9 million. These are 2018–19 figures; the 44,815-tonne figure is import volume, not national nut production.