October horticulture market update

Highlights for horticulture

• Prices across the horticultural sector remained generally lower despite some mixed results compared to 12 months ago. Vegetable sector prices were seen as being in line to slightly lower compared to the same time last season with only brown onions priced notably higher. Onion producers have faced challenges across the key producing state of South Australia this season, off the back of the near record dry seen at the start of the year which impacted both yields and quality. Ongoing cost pressures driven by inputs continue to impact margins and are now being passed on to retailers in recent months. Meanwhile berries are now readily available with decent quality. We expect strong consumer demand across the berry sector as a result with pricing sitting around its lowest level for this time of year since 2022.
• Year-to-date Australian almond exports to India are now at the second highest level on record. Growing local production, ongoing US trade tensions, and continued benefits from the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AIECTA) continue to support exports to the Indian market despite the emergence of China as a key global destination.
• However, uncertainty regarding US trade policy and the prospect that either India or China could at any point cut a deal with the US clouds the 2026 outlook for the sector. Australian producers currently enjoy a market access advantage into both India and China over US competitors. With a large Californian crop on the way, maintaining this advantage will be key the ongoing strength of the sector in 2026.

Source: Bendigo Bank Agribusiness Insights, Aus Market Consultants

Sean Hickey

Senior Agricultural Analyst

Sean is our Insights specialist for the horticulture sector, utilising both his time spent within the industry alongside a Bachelor of Commerce to produce informed market analysis and commentary.