By Almond Board of Australia chief executive Tim Jackson

A delegation from the Almond Board of Australia attended the annual California Almond Conference in Sacramento, California, recently.

As the industry emerges from three years of pricing which has challenged farmer viability, there was a renewed level of optimism among growers and processors. 

The event showcased a plethora of new technology to improve efficiencies and nut quality.

Artificial intelligence is also increasingly being employed in a wide range of applications that extended from robotic farmer equipment to sorting equipment.

California produces almost 80 per cent of the world’s almonds and the Almond Board of California’s marketing team unveiled a renewed push to educate consumers on the many health benefits of a regular intake of almonds along with their versatility.

Misguided criticisms on the water use of the industry fails to acknowledge the high nutritional value of almonds and the sound business case it provides growers.

Independent research has proved almonds deliver the following qualities to improve wellbeing:

• Vitamin E, calcium, monosaturated fats, potassium, fibre, protein, riboflavin and iron are delivered in one almond kernel that can be delivered in a myriad of forms.

The Californians and our own marketing team are employing a multi-faceted strategic plan across key global markets to provide a consistent message around what almonds can deliver consumers.

The latest Australian Almond sales report released last week highlighted the importance of China and Indian export markets and the strong demand our products continue to enjoy.

In only eight months the industry has sold almost as many tonnes as it did for the previous year.

It is hoped this demand will continue and in tandem with even better average returns in 2025-26, with harvest due to start in February.

The Australian delegation consisted of new chair Alan Hoppe, outgoing chair Peter Hayes, who has just stepped down after five years at the helm, grower directors Neale Bennett, of Merbein, Peter Cavallaro, of Walker Flat, Luke Stoeckel, of Renmark and James Callipari, of Griffith.

The ABA’s new marketing manager Melissa Wyness, marketing officer Tom Cooper and industry development officer Josh Fielke were also in attendance.