The horticulture industry achieved a record local value of $18.0 billion in 2023-24, an increase of $721 million from the previous year
Australia’s wine grape production has significantly increased, adding $24.2 million to lift the total value to $1.0 billion. Crush volumes rose by 112,000 tonnes, reaching a total of 1.4 million tonnes. South Australia led the production with 700,000 tonnes, contributing over half of the national value at $518.3 million, followed by strong performances from Victoria and New South Wales. The Griffith Surrounds in New South Wales emerged as the largest producing region, crushing 235,000 tonnes.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the horticulture industry achieved a record local value of $18.0 billion in 2023-24, an increase of $721 million from the previous year. This growth was driven by increases in fruit, nut, and wine grape production, despite value declines in some segments.
The fruit sector, excluding wine grapes, was valued at $6.8 billion, reflecting an increase of $492.9 million, as production climbed by 101,000 tonnes to reach a total of 2.8 million tonnes. Bananas led the growth with a value of $697.8 million, despite a slight fall in production. Apples also saw a rise, reaching $680.2 million. However, the value of table grapes fell by $167 million, with production decreasing by 46,000 tonnes.
The vegetable industry, valued at $5.7 billion, experienced a $140.2 million decrease, although production rose to 3.8 million tonnes. Potatoes remained the top performer at $1.1 billion, while tomatoes saw the largest increase in volume, up by 116,000 tonnes to 438,000 tonnes.
The nut industry surged to a total value of $1.2 billion, an increase of $484 million, driven primarily by almonds valued at $870.3 million and macadamias at $201.9 million. Queensland and New South Wales remained key producing states.
The avocado sector also expanded, with production increasing by 36,000 tonnes and reaching a value of $589.0 million, as Western Australia surpassed Queensland in both output and value.
