Australia’s horticulture sector has delivered a year of record-breaking performance, driven by a strong domestic demand and surging export performance
The 2024-25 Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook has revealed the industry achieved its highest production value to date of $18.4 billion – up six per cent on the previous year – and its strongest fresh export value climbing 13 per cent to $3.5 billion.
Produced by Hort Innovation, the handbook is a source of national industry data, covering production volumes, values, trade performance and long-term trends across more than 70 horticulture categories.
Findings from the handbook show the fruit sector leading national growth again, with production values reaching a record $7.3 billion, underpinned by major increases in avocados, table grapes, and citrus production value.
Citrus alone reached its highest ever farmgate value of more than $1.2 billion and achieved its highest combined export value on record at $569.7 million, while bananas, melons and dried grapes also hit new highs in production value.
All-time highs in export value were achieved for cherries and watermelons, reaching $91.3 million and $22 million, while strong results were seen for strawberries ($36.8 million) and grapefruit ($5.3 million).
Vegetables recorded their highest value on record at $6 billion, increasing six per cent in 2024/25 despite a slight fall in production volume.
This was driven by value increases in potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce and capsicums.
Vegetables continued to demonstrate export strength in key categories, with carrots and potatoes maintaining first and second highest export value respectively year on year.
The nut sector continued its expansion, climbing 13 per cent to reach a record $1.7 billion in production value.
Almonds remained the standout, with production value rising 20 per cent and export value hitting a record $1.3 billion, the highest of any horticultural export.
Pistachios also achieved record export value of $32.6 million.
The nursery sector continued its upward trajectory, increasing four per cent to reach $2.8 billion, serving as one of the largest categories in the horticulture sector.
“Each year the Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook provides a clear picture of how our growers are performing, and this year’s results show an industry that is scaling with strength,” Hort Innovation CEO Brett Fifield says.
“Powered by strong domestic demand, improving seasonal conditions and surging export performance across major commodities, the results show an industry continuing to scale and strengthen, despite the ongoing external pressures and cost challenges the industry faces.
“We’ve seen record gains across fruit, vegetables and nuts, complemented by extraordinary export performance.
“As the industry continues to evolve and innovate, this data helps guide investment, identify opportunities, and ensure growers can not only remain globally competitive but continue to grow their profitability over time.”
Pic caption: The fruit sector is leading national growth in production value. Image: Hort Innovation
