Tim Jackson’s Post

Californian almond conference completed and heard of many challenges that are common to our own growers. Low global prices, costs of production high and tough economic times. A trip to Alcatraz on way home topped off an informative few days that underlined the value of collaborating on the direction to more prosperous times for all in our industry. The only unsolved escape from Alcatraz in 1962 involved three people and was yet another example of how even in the toughest of circumstances working together can maximize your chances of success.

Hundreds of selfie-seeking visitors took part in tours of almond orchards in blossom at the annual Almond Blossom Festival at Robinvale over the weekend. The Almond Board of Australia will be hosting our annual R and D Forum in Robinvale this week.

ofi’s young gun trader Ben Fessey and I delivered the Australian almond story at the China Tree Nut Conference in Lin’an this week. What a ride it has been for our humble industry with a free trade agreement between the two countries resulting in annual almond exports to China growing from 319 tonnes in 2016 to more than 50,000 tonnes last season. We were honoured to be invited to speak during the almond session alongside colleagues from the USA and Spain. The message throughout the week has been China is open for business and looking to reignite key B2B relationships to stimulate its post pandemic economy.

Australian Almond industry members (Jake Langdon, Paul Stewart, Damien Houlahan and myself) recently paid a visit to the home of cricket at Lords during the International Nut Congress. While we are all behind the Aussies winning the series, we have recognised the common love of cricket is a point of difference marketing tool we will continue to explore with prospective customers in the UK and India.

A busy week at the International Nut Congress in London this week for the ABA was concluded with a meeting at the famous Westminster for ABA CEO Tim Jackson and ABA's long serving Marketing Manager Joseph Ebbage. The UK is a challenging market for increasing almond consumption. While many consumers worldwide recognise the health benefits of eating almonds, few realise that research shows that only 30 grams (for 50-60 Aussie cents) a day is all that is needed to help improve so many aspects of your health.

The Australian almond industry hosted some of our valued Indian almond traders at the MCG for the T20 World Cup game between India and Pakistan. An amazing experience! India won off the last ball. An unforgettable night for our guests and the other 90,000 at the game. All part of strengthening trade ties between our great nations.

Another successful ABA trade presentation, albeit on line. Tim Paine enjoys his Al Pacino coffees each morning and like us in the almond industry is looking forward to reacquainting himself with his Indian colleagues in the weeks ahead.