A new initiative to showcase the health and nutrition benefits of dried fruits and provide practical resources for health professionals and industry stakeholders has today been announced by Hort Innovation.

The project, created in partnership with the Australian dried fruits industry, will consolidate the latest scientific research on dried grapes, tree fruits and prunes and translate it into accessible tools that support accurate communication about the industry.

The resources aim to help health professionals share evidence-based advice and assist the industry in promoting dried fruits as part of a healthy Australian diet.

Anthony Kachenko, General Manager Sustainability and Production R&D at Hort Innovation explained: “This project ensures dried fruits have a strong, evidence-based voice in health and nutrition conversations. By equipping health professionals and the industry with credible tools, we’re paving the way for increased consumer confidence and demand.”

Delivered by Bite Communications Pty Ltd, the initiative will produce a comprehensive review of current scientific evidence, a set of tailored health messages, and fact sheets for health professionals. To amplify these messages, it will also launch social media content, a dedicated Australian Dried Fruits Nutrition hub, and a three-year communications strategy to maintain momentum.

The work will align with broader developments shaping nutrition advice in Australia, including the review of the Australian Dietary Guidelines, potential updates to the Health Star Rating system, and evolving consumer trends. By anticipating these changes, the project aims to ensure its messages remain credible, timely and relevant.

This project (MT25009) is funded by Hort Innovation, using the dried tree fruit, dried grapes and dried prunes research and development levies and contributions from the Australian Government.