Walnuts Australia is the country’s largest grower, processor and exporter of walnuts – and one of the largest walnut operations in the world.
A division of Webster Limited, Walnuts Australia currently owns or manages 2,200 hectares of walnut orchards in Tasmania and in the Riverina, New South Wales.
Walnuts Australia is an integrated and export led walnut business targeting counter seasonal markets in the northern hemisphere, particularly where local production cannot meet demand. In 2011-12, the company marketed in-shell walnuts to six countries in the European Union, and to the Middle East and North Asia. Overall, export sales increased by more than 194 per cent.
The company’s marketing plan is developed annually and reviewed quarterly. International markets are prioritised by factors such as walnut import and consumption levels and the ability to sustain higher price points in defined supply windows.
Walnut Australia is one year into a four year capital expenditure program to establish new on-farm infrastructure. Higher level strategies are aimed at aligning growth projections and contributing to a seamless supply chain from orchard to market.
Australian Export Award judges commended Walnuts Australia for a long term commitment to large volume production and for taking the initiative to fill a market gap arising from counter-seasonality.
The judges also observed that while the technology applied to fresh produce may not be easy to articulate, the company has demonstrated a long-term view to ensure marketplace suitability and to address emerging consumer issues. They were impressed with Walnuts Australia’s use of an interactive website commenting that it is clear evidence of a focus on the best use of supporting technologies.
For more information about Walnuts Australia, go to: www.websterltd.com.au/walnuts.