MARKET DEVELOPMENT
Market Development Program Update : 2022-23
The global market for Australian almonds grew significantly over the past year at a rate above our industry ’ s increased production . The 2022 Australian almond crop was recorded at 140,963 tonnes representing a 13 % increase over the previous year ’ s production of 124,499 tonnes . Our global shipments for our 2022-23 marketing year were 129,651 tonnes . This represented growth of 15 % over the previous year ’ s shipments of 113,047 tonnes . The growth driver for our global shipments were our export markets which recorded an increase of 22 % to 105,490 tonnes . Conversely , our domestic market shipments decreased by 9 % to 24,162 tonnes .
The Australian Almonds Global Market Development Program comprises both an Export Development component and a Domestic Development component . It is weighted towards export development in line with its relative size and growth potential .
During the 2022-23 year , two major Hort Innovation Market Development projects concluded : namely AL17008 and AL19002 . These projects required significant variation over their three-year lives due to the COVID restrictions that occurred during this period . Importantly , a new Hort Innovation funded Global Market Development project commenced in January 2023 : AL22004 . This current project has a budget of $ 7 million representing an increase of $ 3.4 million over the value of the previous two projects combined .
Export Market Development Program Update :
As the COVID restrictions eased , our export trade exhibition and trade mission program recommenced in full during 2022-23 . We marketed Australian Almonds in all our key export regions including Northeast Asia , Europe , India , the Middle East and Southeast Asia .
Northeast Asia - China , Japan and Korea :
Sial China ran from 17 to 19 May and was held in Shanghai . The Australian almond industry had a 3 metre by 3 metre booth and was managed by the team from Food South Australia ’ s China office . Three of our Australian almond marketers were present at the trade exhibition . This marked the first time since Covid in 2020 that our Australian almond exporters were able to participate in a trade exhibition in China . The booth was bustling with activity , as we received a significant level of interest from both existing and potential customers .
In April 2023 , Lou Martin , the ABA Marketing Officer , attended the outbound mission to Japan and Korea with the Macadamia industry . The mission included three main events in Korea , Tokyo , and Osaka , providing a great opportunity to establish new relationships in this growing market . At each destination , Lou Martin presented an industry overview , which not only offered excellent exposure for our industry but also showcased our export capabilities and capacity to deliver a year-round supply of Australian almonds to these markets .
Additionally , there was a focus on highlighting the versatility and dynamic nature of almonds . To bring this concept to life , a local chef from Korea and Japan participated in the event . They curated a lunch experience that featured almond and macadamia recipes , showcasing the diverse applications of almonds in culinary creations .
Europe :
The Sial Paris trade exhibition , which took place in October 2022 , was Europe ’ s largest Fine Food Fair for 2022 . Held at the Parc des Expositions in Villepinte , Sial Paris runs for five days . It is a biennial exhibition alternating with Anuga in Cologne . This prestigious event was established 60 years ago .
The trade fair occupied over 250,000 square meters of exhibition space , hosting in excess of 7,000 exhibitors and drawing more than 300,000 industry professionals . Within this dynamic setting , the Australian almond industry had its own exhibition booth , showcasing our full product offering and the representation of our five Australian almond exporters .
As this was the first Sial Paris exhibition in four years due to the Covid disruption , the trade fair provided a valuable platform for our exporters to meet personally with their customers from across their key European markets . Furthermore , a networking event held at the INC stand provided additional opportunities for our exporters to meet with their customers .
India and the Middle East :
This year ’ s Gulfood trade exhibition ran from February 20 to 24 at the World Trade Center in Dubai . It is one of the world ’ s largest Fine Food trade fairs . Given its timing in February coincides with the commencement of our Australian almond harvest , Gulfood is well positioned to assist the Australian almond marketers and exporters
plan their sales program for the year ’ s crop . This year ’ s Gulfood was exceptionally busy , even by pre-Covid standards . Our Australian Almond industry mission to Gulfood started with a 20 over game of indoor cricket with our Indian almond customers . We are unique in Australian horticulture to be able to unite Australian almond sellers and Indian almond buyers together with a combined passion for cricket . This true cultural connection is an envy to many . While the Indian team prevailed on this occasion , the ‘ ledger ’ is square at two games apiece .
Our Australian Almond Gulfood exhibition was held in a 6 metre by 3 metre booth within the Australian Pavilion . The stand was very busy with interested buyers from the Middle Eastern region and from South- Central Asia in particular . The Indian buying inquiries were further motivated by the Australia- India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement ’ s provision around tariffs for Australian almonds . The Agreement , which came into force in December 2022 , provides a 50 % reduction on tariffs of Australian almonds up to a quota of 34,000 tonnes . This volume significantly exceeds any previous annual tonnage of Australian almonds to India .
Our Australian Almond Gulfood trade mission featured a networking event at the Novotel Trade Centre , adjacent to the exhibition area , with over 80 customers in attendance . Tim Jackson , ABA CEO , provided an industry and new crop update . This event connects a diverse group of almond customers .
After Gulfood , the mission moved to India , where Australian almond exporters met key customers at the Khari Baoli market in Delhi . An Australian almond industry Seminar and Networking Event was held in Mumbai at the Consulate ’ s Residence on Monday February 27 . Thirty-five almond buyers and Austrade representatives attended this event . The number of new almond buyers at this Mumbai event highlighted the opportunities for the Australian almond exporters to expand their customer base within India .
Southeast Asia :
During 2022-23 , Australian almonds exhibited in a comprehensive range of trade exhibitions across the
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