Free of charge

Macadamias: first crop estimates

March 6, 2024 at 4:09 PM , Der AUDITOR
Play report as audio

CANBERRA. The Australian Macadamia Society has announced the first estimates for the 2024 Australian macadamia crop. After a difficult year in 2023, the outlook is much more optimistic this time.

Good conditions

The Australian Macadamia Society (AMS) has published new estimates for the Australian macadamia crop 2024. According to these estimates, the crop volume is expected to be 56,000 mt of in-shell macadamias (3.5% moisture). This would represent an increase of 16% compared to the 48,400 mt harvested in the previous year. At that time, yields were lower than expected. Clare Hamilton-Bate, CEO of the Australian Macadamia Society, is optimistic: “2024 is looking like a better season, with good conditions experienced during flowering, and positive grower sentiment across growing regions. While recent rainfall in some regions will make the start of harvest a little challenging, with good growing conditions we expect to see an improvement in kernel recoveries, which is very encouraging.” Hamilton-Bate is particularly pleased that a return to normality is now on the cards after last year's small crop.

Complicated analysis

The Australian macadamia industry generally relies on scientific models developed by the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries to provide an initial forecast for the year. This data is slightly higher than that of the Australian Macadamia Society. Clare Hamilton-Bate states that at the AMS, the official forecast was further supported by an examination of climate-based modelling combined with a review of historical crop volumes following periods of low prices. “Historical data from prior price downturns shows a slow return to orchard productivity. This is due to reduced crop inputs along with intense orchard management practices such as pruning and hedging.  The last two seasons have been very challenging for growers with spiraling input costs making crop input management decisions even more challenging than normal. Taking this into consideration, we believe this season’s actual crop volume is likely to finish below that predicted by the climate-based modelling,” she says. A first crop report will be published in May or June 2024.

View more
price charts for nuts, dried fruit, grains, oilseeds and more

View related articles

Go to the News Overview
Nuts
Oct 13, 2025
NEW DELHI. A new treatment method is intended to reduce the risk of aflatoxin contamination and ensure better quality. For the time being, the problems for Indian peanut exporters remain, while the situation on the domestic market looks somewhat better.
Nuts
Oct 10, 2025
SACRAMENTO. Domestic shipments have witnessed a noted downturn for US almonds. Exports have dipped by a more moderate 2%. Hand-to-mouth buying may easily turn risky.
Nuts
Oct 9, 2025
ORDU/BRUSSELS. A price gamble has gripped the market for hazelnuts in Turkey with much depending on Ferrero. Export prices have taken a rather curious turn. Chile has replaced Turkey as the main trading partner in the EU.
Dried Fruit
Oct 7, 2025
TEHRAN. Price movements were mixed in Iran in September with barberries, dates, saffron and raisins showing the most drastic changes in the annual comparison. The market is closely following the price movements for pistachios and raisins. Almonds have taken quite a curious turn. Cumin is also showing some fluctuations.