MARKETING & TRADE
China Tree Nut Conference marks a milestone return for Australian almonds
ABA Chief Executive Officer Tim Jackson , left , and Ben Fessey from Olam Food Ingredients presented at the recent China Tree Nut Conference .
China Tree Nut Conference : August 2-4
THE China Tree Nut Conference provided the first opportunity for the Almond Board of Australia to return to the country since the pandemic lockdowns . The event was held near Hangzhou and attracted representatives from across the globe . The almond session on day two featured presentations from the Almond Board of California , a representative from the Spanish almond industry and the Australian perspective . The key messages from the two days were that while demand for Australian almonds remains strong , and there are headwinds with the economy and consumption rates . A number of research projects are being conducted within the country on the health benefits of regular nut consumption along with ongoing investment in processing facilities and increased plantings of walnuts and macadamias . There was an acknowledgement that the free trade agreement was driving consumption of Australian almonds and from discussions with a range of buyers , there is a high-level awareness of Australian processors . Retailers are also tailoring their offerings to meet social trends , including introducing “ one-handed ” snack and meal packaging to acknowledge that many people eat alone and with their phone in the other hand . One of the key retailers gave an impressive snapshot of Chinese nut consumers and buying trends . The need for a high-quality product continues to increase , but the ability to pay a premium is being eroded by discount selling and increased competition around driving volume . The first consumer priority is taste and the second is health . Ingredient market is greatly increased with more DIY cooking an exploration with healthier eating . Consumers are also using multiple channel information in their buying decisions and snack buying to improve health reduce calories is largely knowledge-based . As a result , any derogatory health messaging of a product that reaches these channels tends to have an immediate impact on consumption . Modern consumers in China not only seek prestige and substance in their purchases , but also employ critical thinking to make informed decisions . Key consumer messages :
• The success of most people or organisations is a success driven by trend dividends
• Always keep up with the younger generation , or else you will be eliminated .
industry . australianalmonds . com . au
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