Australian almond sales have reached unprecedented levels, as reported by the Almond Board of Australia. The latest July Position Report highlights a 35 per cent surge in exports for the month, compared to the previous year, with a 19 per cent increase observed over the season's first five months. The sales in July, amounting to 22,450 tonnes (kwe), surpassed the former high of 17,547 tonnes from July 2017 by 28 per cent.
Season-to-date export figures stand at 60,803 tonnes (kwe), pushing overall sales close to the 71,000 mark. This growth is attributed to a dry season and heightened demand from China, elevating sales volumes to levels not seen in the past decade. Notably, inshell sales to China have been a significant driver, with over 27,000 tonnes exported this season, doubling from the previous year. Consequently, exports to China have soared by 105 per cent, representing more than half of total exports, bolstered by the advantageous terms of the free trade agreement.
On the domestic front, sales have seen a 22 per cent increase in July and a slight 1 per cent rise across the season. This marks a turnaround from a recent downturn in domestic sales. Furthermore, the ABA has adjusted its 2024-25 crop estimate to 153,550 tonnes from 164,700 tonnes, as the hulling and shelling phase concludes, with ABA CEO Tim Jackson citing reduced yields from older trees as a primary reason for this revision.
Source: Foodmag