Industry statistics:
Total Australian almond acreage has increased six-fold over the past eight years: 4,595 hectares in 2000 to more than 27,300 hectares in 2008. South Australia accounts for approximately 20% of the plantings covering an area of 5,488 hectares.
In 2008, South Australia produced over 8,300 tonnes kernel of almonds, which represents 32% of Australian production of approximately 26,000 tonnes kernel. Australian production is estimated to increase to over 80,000 tonnes by 2015.
The farmgate value of almond production in South Australia is approximately $57 million and $180 million in Australia. Additional production from newly planted orchards is expected to increase the Australian industry’s value to greater than $500 million by 2015.
In 2007/2008 the value of Australian exports of shelled almonds was approximately $50.5m (9,200 tonnes) and for in-shell almonds approximately $24.3m (5,800 tonnes). There are about 130-150 almond producers in South Australia and 220-270 in Australia.
Industry structure:
There are approximately 8-10 large (>100 hectares), 20 medium (10-100 hectares, average 40 hectares) and 110 small (<10 hectares) almond enterprises in South Australia. There are over 834,000 almond trees planted in South Australia.
Main varieties:
The main varieties of almonds grown in South Australia are Non Pareil and Carmel.
Location of industry:
Almond production in South Australia is located in the Adelaide Plains (Angle Vale), Riverland (Lindsay Point, Renmark, Overland Corner, Loxton), and Limestone Coast (Robe).
Why South Australia is a good place for the crop:
South Australia has areas with a good climate for almond production, with adequate chilling temperatures and low frost incidence during the growing season from August through to March-April. South Australia has areas with deep soils which do not restrict root growth of almonds. Almonds also have a higher water requirement than other horticultural crops (12 megalitres/hectare per annum), and South Australia has irrigation water of adequate quantity (except during drought) and quality. Almonds can be grown economically in South Australia, with experienced almond machine harvesters, crackers, hullers and marketers near production areas.
Examples of downstream value adding:
Examples of downstream value adding of almonds in South Australia include blanched (deskinned), roasted almonds (eg flavoured, hot spiced, smoked, salted), and cut almonds (diced, sliced, slivered). Custom product combinations of partially processed South Australian almonds are sold to manufacturers of health bars, confectionary, biscuits, muffins and breakfast cereals in South Australia, interstate and overseas. About 45% of South Australia’s almond kernel production tonnage is value added.
Main industry issues:
The key issue for the South Australian almond industry at present is water availability due to drought conditions. Two projects have been developed to address this issue: SARDI Drought Project and Drought Strategies for the Australian Almond Industry. The Almond Research & Development Program funds key projects that have been aligned to industry agreed strategic priorities. Projects include the Budwood Program, the Australian Almond Breeding Program; Marketing Program and a Communications Program.
Please click on the following links to download the information:
- The Australian Almond Industry Strategic Plan 2006-2012
(1.08MB) External Site
- Australian Almond Statistics 2008 Report (2.79MB) External Site
- Drought projects External Site
- Programs undertaken by the almond industry External Site
Main markets including export:
Export sales accounted for 50% of Australian almond sales in 2007/08 with the top markets being India, Spain, Germany and New Zealand. Domestic consumption of almonds is growing in Australia, and remains the current focus of almond industry funded marketing programs, however almond export development will be a priority in coming years.
Industry association:
The Almond Board of Australia Phone: 08 8582 2055 9 William Street, BERRI SA 5343 Fax: 08 8582 3503 PO Box 2246, BERRI SA 5343 Email: admin@australianalmonds.com.au / Website: www.australianalmonds.com.au
