SIAL draws 140,000 visitors from across Europe including retailers, wholesalers, importers, exporters and buyers from the food service industry.

Between October 19 and 23, nine Australian exporters will attend the show on a combined Australian macadamia and almond stand hosted by Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL).

In addition to macadamias and almonds, dried fruit will be represented on the stand.

In the last 12 months, exports of these products to Europe were valued at $62 million.

Dried fruit exports were valued at $9.5 million (75 per cent of Australia's total dried fruit exports), almonds at $31 million (62 per cent of Australia's total almond exports) and macadamias at $22 million (34 per cent of Australia's total macadamia exports).

Europe represents Australia's major destination for its expanding almond crop.

Australian almonds are being positioned as an alternative source of fresh almonds, counter seasonal to the Californian supply.

Australian macadamias have performed well in Europe and currently command 47 per cent of the market share, five points ahead of nearest competitor South Africa with 42 per cent.

Europe imported a record 5,800 tonnes of Australian macadamias in 2007/08 with more than 50 per cent consumed in Germany.

According to HAL Export Development Manager, Wayne Prowse, although macadamia supply is reportedly down by 25 per cent this year, exporters and growers that supply export markets are taking the long term view.

"We're really looking to raise the profile of Australian macadamias in France with a view to influencing food service to include macadamias in their product range," Mr Prowse said.

"We also want to attract supermarket buyers who would introduce macadamias to their nut range and highlight the Australian origin on the pack.

"Australian macadamias are currently sold in French supermarkets such as Auchan and Leclerc marketed under a German brand, however there is a lot of potential for growth in France and across Europe as a whole and we aim to tap into that at SIAL."

With the recent fall in the Australian dollar, Australian products have become more competitive which should provide a much needed boost to our agricultural exports.