New key drivers in growth emerge as the long-term outlook remains strong

Collecting, analysing and sharing data allows the horticulture sector to understand industry dynamics and trends, and also empowers stakeholders to make well-informed decisions and engage in proactive strategic planning.

Delivered by Hort Innovation each year in collaboration with Freshlogic, the 2022/2023 Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook is a flagship resource for the industry, offering the most comprehensive and current data spanning more than 75 horticultural products, including fruits, nuts, vegetables, nursery, turf and cut flowers.

The Handbook functions in three main ways:

1. Reconciles fragmented and incomplete data and information.
2. Collectively represents the sector through statistics.
3. Monitors industry trends.

Drawing insights from diverse supply chain sources, including international trade statistics, levy-funded research projects and peak industry bodies, the Handbook provides a detailed overview of how the sector has performed, encompassing production volumes and values, exports and imports, processing, wholesale, and retail and food service.

Despite challenging growing conditions and varied sector performances, the industry witnessed an upswing in production to reach $16.2 billion in value in 2022/2023. The total production value increased by three per cent over the 12 months and over the past decade, the compound annual average growth rate has sat in the vicinity of an impressive six per cent in value terms.

The 2022/2023 data unveiled notable shifts in the key drivers of industry growth across four horticulture categories: fruit, vegetables, nuts, and amenities. Fruit experienced a significant surge of 13 per cent, driven by substantial increases in production value for avocados and table grapes, rising by 54 per cent and 27 per cent, respectively, each contributing an additional $200 million in farmgate value. Conversely, nuts witnessed a significant decline in production value, falling by 42 per cent, attributed to high production costs and supply surpassing demand.

Overall vegetable production values reached an all-time high of $5.83 billion, increasing 5.4 per cent in 2021/22. While value increased, vegetable production volume dropped again in 2022/23 by 3.2 per cent, making 2022/23 the lowest year for production volume in six years.

Despite a marginal drop in export value in 2022/23, the export market remains a pivotal growth driver for the horticulture sector and has a robust outlook. Fruits played a crucial role in supporting the export market, witnessing a six per cent increase over the 2022/2023 period, reaching a value of $1.3 billion.

While the data reflects a range of outcomes for Australian horticulture growers and the overall sector, which are currently grappling with various short-term challenges, the industry’s long-term prospects stand resilient. Over the past decade, the sector has experienced a sustained period of robust growth, and this positive trajectory appears set to continue in the future despite the challenges industry is currently facing.

Coupled with substantial investments in research and development and effective marketing strategies, the industry is well positioned for an exciting phase of growth and innovation. With more than $620 million dollars currently invested over 400 active projects, Hort Innovation is committed to a prosperous and sustainable Australian horticulture industry built on innovation.