Onions Australia as it is today was originally founded in in 1966 as the Australian Onion Coordinating Committee (AOCC).

The AOCC was formed to bring all sectors of the then fragmented onion industry together.

It was and still is intended to serve as an umbrella organization covering all those engaged in the onion industry including growers, packers, wholesalers, exporters, retail outlets, R&D bodies and other related industries including packing manufacturers.

In 1990 the AOCC went through a period of growth and consolidation. During this process the committee underwent a name change to the Australian Onion Association. In 2004 another name changed occured, the association becoming known as Onions Australia, and with it came the new logo for the industry.

Australian Production

Onions are Australia's fourth largest vegetable crop accounting for 9% of total vegetable production with a gross value of $126 million in 2003/04. Onion production is centered on South Australia and Tasmania, although all states produce significant volumes. In 2005, we produced 256,000 tonnes of white, brown & red onions and shallots. Approximately 14% of the onion crop is exported, principally to: Germany, Netherlands, UK and France. Brown onions are the primary export crop although export demand is increasing for white and red onions. Tasmania is the predominant exporting state accounting for between 80 to 85% of export volumes. Small quantities of fresh onions are imported but the majority of imports are dried onions from the USA. Total area planted to onions is now 5500 ha grown by approximately 500 growers. Average onion yields are increasing Australian consumption appears to have declined from 12.9 kg per person in 1999 to 11.4 kg per person in 2002 based on national averages.