Almondco Australia
Renmark (Meru), South Australia.
New and emerging exporters should seek out support from Austrade
Winning the Regional Exporter award recognises the long-term dedication of both our grower members and staff. We’ve built a diverse export supply chain that supports and endorses the Almondco brand reputation and ongoing worldwide customer patronage.
Brenton Woolston, Managing Director.
Global markets go nuts for Almondco Australia
After more than 80 years in operation, Almondco Australia epitomises how a regional Aussie business can make it big on the world stage.
The winner of the 2025 Regional Exporter award category, Almondco Australia is a 100% grower-owned company that produces premium-quality, food-safe almond products that are in demand around the globe.
Headquartered in Renmark, South Australia, Almondco operates a state-of-the-art processing facility, along with hulling and shelling operations in the Riverland (SA) and Riverina (NSW) regions.
‘Almondco began in 1944 as a grower-owned cooperative, formed to unite and support almond growers with a transparent pathway to market,’ says Brenton Woolston, Almondco Australia Managing Director. ‘Today, the business supports over 150 Australian growers, around 85% of the industry.’
A nutty year for Almondco exports
In 2024, exports made up 69.5% of Almondco sales. Key export destinations include China, Germany, India, New Zealand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Southeast Asia.
‘We re-entered the Italian market after a 5-year absence and increased export volumes to 9 other existing destinations,’ says Woolston.
‘We also added 29 new export customers in 2024, primarily in China and India while also further diversifying our exports into 10 new international destinations.’
Celebrating an Australian Export Awards legacy
Almondco has a long history with the Australian Export Awards. The company is a 5-time national finalist (in 2023, 2012, 2010, 2009 and 1996) and 2-time winner of the Regional Exporter award category in 2016 and 2011. This year, Almondco is the winner of the 2025 Regional Exporter award category.
Woolston sees the award as much-deserved recognition for the long-term dedication of both its grower members and staff.
‘We’ve built a diverse export supply chain that best appreciates and endorses the Almondco brand reputation and supports ongoing customer patronage,’ he says.
Strong sales in Turkey and South Africa
Almondco Australia has recently experienced an unexpected uplift in exports to Turkey and South Africa.
‘Over the past 5 years we’ve expanded our sales to these countries thanks to product quality, consistency, shipping reliability and counter-seasonality,’ says Woolston.
Almondco has now reached a preferred supplier status in these markets. ‘This has been aided by Australian Government policy, trade stability and supply chain reliability,’ says Woolston.
Austrade has continually supported us with in-market advice and business introductions in both emerging and established markets.
Austrade supports sales to India
‘Austrade has continually supported us with in-market advice and business introductions in both emerging and established markets,’ says Woolston.
He highlights key advice from Austrade, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade about Australian and Indian tariff rate quotas and reductions in 2023.
‘A 50% tariff reduction for Australian almonds was triggered by the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement,’ he says. ‘It required all government and industry to work together for successful implementation without hindering current almond exports.’
Sights set on Southeast Asia
Almondco’s next target markets include Indonesia and Malaysia. This is due to the increase in middle-class populations and shipping proximity.
‘A gap in supply has been identified in gluten-free, high-protein, healthy plant-based food ranges,’ says Woolston.
‘Australian almonds fill this need for everyday use in snacking, baking and cooking.’
Advice for exporters starting out
As a long-time exporter and market leader, Woolston has the following advice for new exporters.
‘New and emerging exporters should seek out support from Austrade regarding importing and trade requirements,’ he says.
‘Each market has its own uniqueness and different trading dynamics. Exporters need to understand what the market and shipping risks are. They should also seek financial guidance on foreign currency and banking transactions.’
The nuts and bolts of success
Almondco is set up for strong future growth, with contracted crop forecast expected to increase a further 20% by 2030.
‘Almondco’s ongoing success is underpinned by long-term customer relationships, operational excellence, and a reputation for delivering high-quality Australian almond products,’ says Woolston.
By strengthening supply chain infrastructure, investing in its people and business systems, and maintaining a clear strategic focus, Almondco is well positioned to capitalise on global demand for quality tree nuts.
Visit Almondco Australia website.
