In 2013 almonds became Australia’s first horticultural industry to earn more than $300 million in export revenue. As the final nuts from the March and April 2013 harvest are being sold, final sales figures for export of the record crop are estimated to be $350 million. Production increased by 60% last year, doubling the available supply for export, which combined with a significant increase in global prices resulted in the increase in export earnings. Domestic consumption of almonds in Australia has also increased over the past year by 9.2% which followed a 20% increase in 2012. This continued growth is being attributed in part to recent health studies being released that reveal the contribution that nuts play in a longer and healthier life.
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