<p>The Australian almond industry will commence harvesting a record crop in February, should the early estimate for the 2017 production be realised. At the recent meeting of the Almond Board of Australia it was reported that the forthcoming crop would be 85,000 tonnes. This is 3,000 tonnes more than the 2015 crop which is largest the industry has produced.“The almond industry’s expectation is for a record crop in 2017 that will further bolster the Australian almond industry’s export capacity and value. The increase is mainly due to improved yields, as recent orchard plantings are not yet producing and there have been some significant removals of mature trees as some orchards enter a replanting phase” Ross Skinner CEO of the Almond Board of Australia said.“In recent years there has been strong growth in both domestic and export market demand, and we are confident the extra tonnage will not disrupt returns to growers which, although coming off the high reached in late 2015/16, are still at a good level.”“The Californian industry’s monthly shipments are at record levels, and the increase in their sales is outstripping the percentage growth in their 2016 production. This will further lessen the stocks held in California.”</p> <p>“Almonds are now very competitively priced compared to other nuts, and use by manufacturers is a strong growth area with over two hundred new products using almonds as an ingredient going onto supermarket shelves in the last year.” Mr Skinner said.The significant expansion of almond orchards currently underway is expected to push production levels to around 130,000 tonnes by 2025. The Almond Board of Australia believes this substantial growth in supply will be matched by growth in consumer demand, just as it has during the past decade as the industry has grown from 16,000 tonnes in 2006 to 80,000 tonnes in 2016.“As consumers around the world become more health conscious they are eating more and more nuts for the many health benefits they give. These benefits range from muscle development to improved brain function, reduced heart disease, diminished fatty livers and lessened risk of diabetes and obesity”.“There is an increasing focus on food contributing to better health, and almonds are a major part of recommended nutrition.”“With the milder weather experienced so far maturity of the nuts is lagging about two weeks behind the norm, so harvest may be a little delayed, but nut quality appears to be very good.” Mr Skinner said.</p>