Macadamias

Exceptional bulk macadamias for wholesalers, distributors, suppliers and importers

MACADAMIAS: A SHORT INTRODUCTION

Macadamia nuts have been around for millions of years in the rainforest on Australia’s north east coast. Aboriginal people considered macadamias a delicacy and traded them with other tribes and used them as ceremonial gifts.

In the 1850s, European botanists turned their attention to Australian macadamia trees and the first plantation was established in the 1880s. With the development of grafting techniques and mechanical processing, commercial production soon began.

Macadamia trees grow up to 18 meters (60 feet) in height and up to 15 meters (49 feet) in width.

NUTRITIONAL FACTS

  
    NUTRIENT
    UNIT
    VALUE PER 100G
  

    Water
    g
    1.36
  

    Energy
    kcal
    718
  

    Protein
    g
    7.91
  

    Total lipid(fat)
    g
    75.77
  

    Carbohydrates, by difference
    g
    13.82
  

    Fiber, total dietary
    g
    8.6
  

    Sugars, total
    g
    4.57
  

NUTRIENT	UNIT	VALUE PER 100G
Water	g	1.36
Energy	kcal	718
Protein	g	7.91
Total lipid(fat)	g	75.77
Carbohydrates, by difference	g	13.82
Fiber, total dietary	g	8.6
Sugars, total	g	4.57

Macadamia nuts contain high monounsaturated fatty acids compared to other dry nuts. In fact, 75% of their weight is fatty acids, of which 80% are monounsaturated (mainly palmitoleic acid) and offer macadamia’s special texture. Studies have associated the consumption of macadamias with multiple benefits for the cardiovascular system. At the same time, they are considered of high nutritional value, as they contain many minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, selenium, potassium and copper. Macademias are also known for their antiaging action, as they contain antioxidants, such as tocopherols, phytosterols and squalene. They also contain selenium, a mineral with powerful antioxidant action, which is associated with the proper function of the immune system.

Macadamia Nut Grades: Understanding the Classification and Quality Standards

Style 0: Wholes: At least 95% whole kernels, with the remaining percentage consisting of pieces.
Style I: Wholes: At least 90% whole kernels, with the remaining percentage consisting of pieces.
Style II: Wholes and halves: At least 50 whole kernels, with the remaining percentage consisting of pieces.
Style III: Cocktail: At least 90% half or larger kernels, including at least 15% whole kernels, with the remaining percentage consisting of pieces.
Style IV: Halves and pieces: At least 50% half kernels, with the remaining percentage consisting of pieces, with no more than 5% larger than half kernels.
Style V: Large diced: Units smaller than half kernels.
Style VI: Chips: Units smaller than large diced.
Style VII: Bits and diced: Units in small bits or diced form.
Style VIII: Fines: Broken, chipped, or chopped kernels.

HARVEST

Harvesting Period of Macadamia Nuts by Country:

Australia: Macadamia nuts are typically harvested from March to September, with peak harvesting occurring in April and May.

South Africa: Harvesting of macadamia nuts in South Africa usually takes place from March to September, with the peak season falling between April and June.

Kenya: Macadamia nut harvesting in Kenya typically spans from February to August, with the main harvest occurring from April to July.

United States: Macadamia nuts in the United States are harvested from late fall to early winter, usually from September to January.

New Zealand: Macadamia nut harvesting in New Zealand generally starts in April and extends until July, with the peak harvest taking place in May.

KEY POINTS

Global macadamia crop production is expected to increase by 11.7% this year.
Challenges such as lower farm prices persist, impacting growers and processors.
South Africa's 2023 crop is projected to reach 81,000 metric tons, with concerns over lower farm prices affecting harvest decisions.
Macadamia production in Australia is forecasted to grow by 9.5% in 2023, but lower NIS prices are putting pressure on farmers.
The Kenyan macadamia industry is expected to grow by 8.5% in 2023, but there is a slowdown in kernel sales and unsold inventories.
Chinese buyers and retailers in the EU and Australia are showing increased activity in the NIS market, driven by lower prices.
Initial NIS shipments from South Africa and Australia have commenced with promising quality.
The prevailing lower NIS prices have negatively affected farms in Australia and South Africa.
The industry remains cautiously optimistic, anticipating continued growth and potential for improved pricing in the long term.
Quality and demand are key factors to monitor for the macadamia market.

TOP PRODUCING COUNTRIES

The top producing countries for macadamia nuts are:

Australia: Australia is one of the largest producers of macadamia nuts, known for its high-quality kernels. The country's favorable climate and extensive macadamia orchards contribute to its significant production.
South Africa: South Africa is a major player in the global macadamia market, producing a substantial amount of macadamia nuts. The country's ideal growing conditions and well-established macadamia industry contribute to its high production levels.
Kenya: Kenya has emerged as a significant producer of macadamia nuts, renowned for its premium quality nuts. The country's suitable climate and increasing investments in macadamia farming have led to substantial growth in production.
United States: The United States, particularly the state of Hawaii and California, is a notable producer of macadamia nuts. Hawaiian macadamia nuts, in particular, are highly sought after for their unique flavor and quality.
New Zealand: New Zealand has established itself as a significant producer of macadamia nuts, renowned for its sustainable farming practices and premium nut varieties. The country's pristine growing conditions contribute to its high-quality macadamias.

These countries collectively account for a significant portion of the world's macadamia nut production, meeting the global demand for this popular and nutritious nut.