AUSTRALIA’S TREE NUT INDUSTRIES EXPERIENCING INCREASING GROWTH CONTRIBUTING TO NEW EXPORT HIGHS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
17 May 2006

The 2006 Australian Nut Industry Conference is the premier Australian Conference for Distributors, Retailers, Wholesalers, Food Manufacturers, Exporters, Tree Nut Growers, Government Representatives, Health Professionals and Health Organisations to keep up to date on industry trends and new developments.

To be held on Tuesday 12 September at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, the conference theme "Nuts are Good – Good for you – Good for your health – Good for your Business" highlights 2006 as an important phase in the Australian Nut Industry.

The conference will bring together people with a major interest in learning about the new initiatives emerging in the tree nut industry and associated supply chains as well as providing an ideal opportunity to gain direct contact with key industry stakeholders.

The main messages of our conference will be:

• The tree nut industries are experiencing rapid growth rates and collectively will be one of horticulture's major industries.
• Plantings of trees in Almonds, Macadamias and Walnuts are continuing to increase in many hundreds of hectares per year over the next 10 years.
• Macadamias are exporting 70% of its crop – Almonds have reached domestic saturation and will now be a serious exporter 
• Walnuts will replace imports in 5 years – all the other industries continue to expand in new plantings and exports.
• HAL is contributing to our major marketing program via the N4L program, which has had resounding results in sales, increases with great plans for the future.
• Our export potential requires government support to lower tariffs in many countries. 
• Nuts for Life has been a resounding success in putting the health benefits of eating nuts to the medical fraternity. There are some new developments to be introduced to this successful marketing program.
  

Held alongside this year's Fine Food Australia Expo featuring the largest food industry event in Australia, delegates attending the ANIC 2006 Conference will enjoy express entry into the Expo.

ALL ENQUIRIES TO CONFERENCE SECRETARIAT
CLEMS (Conference Links & Event Management Services
Suite 5, 250 Gore Street, Fitzroy Vic 3065
Tel: + 61 3 9439 3855 Fax: +61 3 9431 5167 Email: clems.sg@bigpond.com