8 Dec 2009 --- The Almond Board of Australia (ABA) announced during its annual trade visit to India a 25 per cent increase in the 2010 Australian almond production, which is expected to reach 46,100 tonnes, up from 36,500 tonnes in 2009.

The announcement was made last week at an almond trade function hosted by the ABA in Delhi and attended by key Indian almond traders and distributors as well as representatives from the Australian High Commission.

India is Australia’s largest export market for almonds and currently imports 40 per cent of Australia’s almonds.

Julie Haslett, CEO of the ABA, headed the Indian trade visit and said the additional supply of Australian almonds will help service current strong demands from key export markets.

“The production of Australian almonds will continue to increase as young plantings reach full maturity and it is expected to reach 80,000 tonnes by 2015. This represents a value greater than A$500 million,” she said. “The news of Australia’s increased production estimate was well received by the Indian trade, as demand for Australia’s high quality almonds has never been greater.”

“Almonds are an integral part of India’s cultural heritage and are given as a prestigious gift during festive periods and weddings.”

A number of major Indian importers have already confirmed their attendance to the 2010 Australian Almond Marketing Forum held in Melbourne (Victoria) on Thursday, 18 March 2010. The Marketing Forum will present new insights into almond marketing in Australia and around the world as well as global food trends, marketing initiatives and an international perspective on the future of the almond market.

Australian almonds will be harvested throughout February and March in the key almond growing areas around Australia including Sunraysia in Victoria, the Riverland and Adelaide in SA and the Riverina region in NSW.