Episode 62 - A deep dive into Australia's nut industry -

19 October 2026

October 2026.

Listen here:

And available everywhere you listen to podcasts, via Podlink: https://pod.link/thehealthyhandful

About this episode

To help celebrate Nut Day on 22 October, this episode of The Healthy Handful takes a behind-the scenes look at Australia’s diverse and growing nut industry – from the regions where different nuts thrive, to how they’re harvested, processed and brought to consumers.

Host Belinda Neville is joined by Clare Hamilton-Bate, from the Australian Nut Industry Council (and also the former CEO of the Australian Macadamia Society), for a fascinating look at the people, places and processes behind Australia’s nuts.

The episode dives into the size and diversity of the Australian nut industry, the different regions and growing conditions that suit different nuts, and Australia’s role in the global nut market through both exports and imports.

Clare also shares insights into sustainability in nut production, including how growers are working to use resources more efficiently and improve environmental outcomes.

Key takeaways

Australia is the seventh-largest tree nut producing country in the world – and is an industry with a farm-gate value of around $1.6 billion.
There are seven commercial tree nut industries in Australia – almonds, macadamias, walnuts, pistachios, pecans, chestnuts and hazelnuts (plus peanuts, which are technically a legume, but we include them when we talk about nuts).
Nuts are grown across many parts of Australia, from almonds in inland regions to macadamias along the east coast.
Australia produces nuts for both the domestic and international markets, while also importing nuts to meet consumer demand.
Sustainability is an important focus for growers, including water efficiency, soil health, resource use and reducing waste.

About today’s guest

Clare Hamilton-Bate has extensive experience in both the Australian and international agrifood industries, working at every stage of the supply chain from primary production to retail. She has worked with the Australian produce industry for more than 25 years, supporting fresh produce businesses, industry organisations, R&D providers and government in quality, compliance, supply chain integrity, and value chains.

Previously the CEO of the Australian Macadamia Society, the representative body for Australian macadamia growers, handlers and processors, Clare now provides the Secretariat for the Australian Nut Industry Council, supporting and representing the seven Australian tree nut industries across industry issues where a collective voice is far stronger than any one industry alone.