An in-depth first quarter report just released by Hort Innovation Australia shows just how much difficult weather and delayed harvests impacted this year's summer fruit crops, but volume figures and pricing were positive for a range of fresh produce items and nuts. 

The standout rise came from almonds with a 75% increase in export volume to 6,039 metric tons (MT), but the rise in volume was less pronounced at 15% to reach AUD$39.4 million.

The report, compiled by Euromonitor International, also shows avocado export volumes were up 10% (including a 1,150% rise to Hong Kong), while in contrast cherry export volumes were down 33%.

But the drop in cherry export value was less significant, demonstrating a 6% increase in average pricing which actually helped drive higher year-on-year income for the crop in Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, the USA and the UAE.

Overall, Australia's cherry export value stood at AUD$34.4 million.

For the 'summer fruit' category - including peaches, nectarines, plums and apricots - export volume was flat but there was actually a 9% increase in value to hit AUD$36 million.

In table grapes, a delayed season led to a 34% year-on-year decline in volume, but a 19% increase in average pricing meant the export value was only down by 22% to reach AUD$152.3 million.

Malaysia and Singapore remained the key export destinations for Australian avocados, representing 82% of export volumes.

In vegetables, carrots and turnips accounted for the highest share in overall export volume in the quarter, showing a year-on-year growth in value of 14% and volume of 4%.

Hort Innovation chief executive John Lloyd said the information, which will continue to be released quarterly, is a useful tool for Australian exporters and those who aspire to trade.

“This trade performance data will give Australian growers the tools they need to gauge what is happening in markets around the world to identify potential market opportunities and, where necessary, adjust their farm operations and marketing accordingly,” he said.

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