The Australian horticulture export sector has recorded its strongest year on record, according to the Hort Innovation 2024/2025 Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook. Nuts, particularly almonds, and fresh fruit have led the charge, with growing demand across key Asian and global markets.
The Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook is produced annually by Hort Innovation and Kynetec, part of Fresh Logic, and covers production volumes, values, trade performance and long‑term trends across more than 70 horticulture categories.
Source: Hort Innovation
For the year ending June 2025, Australian horticultural exports totalled $3.78 billion, up 13 per cent on the previous year, and more than doubling over the past decade. Nuts and fresh fruit represented the highest value export categories, at $1.68 billion and $1.57 billion respectively.
Hort Innovation stated these export figures reflect the significant uplift in momentum across multiple commodity groups, with exporters capitalising on improved seasonal conditions, expanded market access, and strategic trade relationships.
Key market value accelerated, with China up 58 per cent and strong growth into India, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Japan, and Indonesia. Asia represents 79 per cent of Australia’s horticulture exports, and continues to drive rising demand for fresh produce.
Although production volume dropped 5 per cent, almonds were a stand-out across 2024/25, hitting a record $1.33 billion in export value, up 23 per cent from the previous year. The Almond Board of Australia reported in January 2025 that Australia’s almond industry was experiencing unprecedented sales levels.
The increasing production value impact was seen on Australian businesses like Select Harvests, which had a strong turnaround in its FY25 report, driven by almond demand. Almondco Australia also took out the Regional Exporter category at the Australian Export Awards in November.
Citrus fruits achieved its highest combined export value on record, at $569.7 million, with oranges and mandarins leading. Several other categories hit all‑time highs, including cherries at $91.3 million, pistachios at $32.6 million, and watermelons at $22 million, alongside strong results in strawberries at $36.8 million, and grapefruit at $5.3 million.
Hort Innovation CEO, Brett Fifield, said exports are an essential part of Australia’s horticulture story, and this year’s results show remarkable progress.
“Record export values across a number of categories reflect the strength of our growers, the quality of our produce, and the capability of our supply chains to deliver into competitive global markets,” said Fifield.
“As markets evolve and demand for fresh, premium Australian produce continues to rise, this data highlights how relationship building and projects focused on growing our export market access continue to add important value for Australian growers.
“It also provides growers and industry with the insights needed to continue lifting export performance, strengthening profitability and positioning Australia as a leader in global horticulture.”
For further information and interactive trade data, the Hort Innovation 2024/2025 Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook is available online at horticulture.com.au.
