Australia remains the world's largest exporter of macadamias, accounting for 46 percent of total world exports. The United States is the largest consumer of macadamia nuts. The country's consumption ranges from 8,800 to 9,800 metric tons per year. Despite being a major producer, the United States is the largest importer.
The state is also a major exporter of macadamia nuts, most of which represent an excess of domestic consumption. Hawaii is the leading producer of macadamia in the U.S. In the United States, while Florida and California are minor producers. Although Australia is one of the leading producers of macadamia nuts, their consumption is significantly lower compared to the U.S.
U.S. and China. Therefore, the companies mentioned below are just a few examples of successful exporters to European and international macadamia markets. From a broader perspective, other luxury “tree” nuts, such as almonds, pistachios and cashew nuts, can be considered competitive with macadamia nuts.
To market macadamia nuts as organic in Europe, they must be cultivated using organic production methods in accordance with European legislation in this regard. Of all exports of macadamia nuts from South Africa to Europe, 30% go to Germany, followed by the Netherlands (24%), France (18%) and Spain (12%). By 2030, China is expected to be the world's largest producer of macadamia, as the country's farmers will adopt the crop. The quality of macadamia beans is determined by the percentage of defective product, by the number or weight and by their size, shape and color.
It seems that constant efforts to promote new ways of consuming macadamia nuts have led Australia to occupy a greater share in the ingredient segment (20 to 30%) than Europe. SAMAC supports the sustainable development of South Africa's macadamia industry through various activities. I knew that there were a lot of macadamia trees near where I was in Embu (about 130 km north of Nairobi), some of which were rotting. Production is steadily increasing and, over the next two years, macadamia tree planting in Queensland and the Clarence Valley is expected to increase significantly.
Unlike production in Australia and South Africa, the production of macadamia nuts in Kenya depends on small farmers. According to this project, in order to develop markets for macadamia products, localities should create their macadamia trademark with geographical indication and, at the same time, carry out commercial promotion activities to introduce the products to domestic consumers. In the past two years, 230,000 macadamia trees have been planted in Malawi and the goal is to reach 300,000 trees. As the cost of labor increases in Europe, importers of macadamia nuts sometimes seek more profitable roasting operations, for example, in Eastern Europe or in developing countries.
Macadamias in South Africa and Australia tend to be higher than the prices of macadamias in Kenya and Malawi.
