Australia: Macadamia nuts and almonds must focus on export markets says Rabobank

CHINESE and Indian mouths will be key to gobbling up Australian tree nut exports as orchards continue to expand at a rapid rate. Aussie snack bowls however are contributing little to consumption. Thousands of almond and macadamia trees will reach maturity over the next few years, lifting Australian nut output to record levels. While talk of a glut might seem imminent, its hoped growing export markets will soak up the majority of the crop increase. Rabobank Australia's newly released report, Australian Tree Nut Outlook, says the nut industry is currently in a "period of growth". It says with this comes the opportunity to meet the growing appetite for tree nuts in export markets, particularly China, as well as develop innovative product offerings to increase local demand. Report author, RaboResearch analyst Pia Piggott said positive consumption trends in tree nuts and more broadly in snacking will drive Chinese consumption growth over the next decade. "And as China and India, ...