Free of charge

Macadamias: much better than expected

December 9, 2024 at 10:53 AM , Der AUDITOR
Play report as audio

BRISBANE. With harvesting finally complete the Australian Macadamia Society (AMS) has issued new estimates for the 2024 crop. They are much better than expected.

12% increase in production

Australia’s macadamia crop is better than anticipated. While the July estimate was downgraded to 50,830 mt in-shell at 3.5% moisture (54,500 mt in-shell at 10% moisture) due to adverse weather conditions, the current estimate stands at 53,950 mt in-shell at 3.5% moisture (57,850 mt in-shell at 10% moisture). Although this still falls short of the initial estimate of 56,000 mt in-shell at 3.5% moisture (60,000 mt in-shell at 10% moisture), this year’s production has increased by 12% on 2023.

CEO Clare Hamilton Bates highlights that the season surpassed expectations despite challenging conditions as “the 2024 season brought prolonged heat and extended wet weather. Nonetheless, harvest continued into November for some, resulting in a longer-than-usual season.” She further emphasises improvements in kernel recovery and nut size, a good overall quality along with a sharp increase in the volumes cracked, which has driven up the quantity of available kernels.

Excellent prospects for 2025

Prospects for the 2025 crop are also highly encouraging as most regions are reporting favourable growing conditions. As Bates observes, “parts of South East Queensland and Northern NSW have experienced mixed conditions with high temperatures and wet weather, but overall flowering and nut set have been good.” Expectation is also that many young trees will “come into bearing next year which will have a positive effect on the crop.” Yet, it should be noted that it is still too early to tell what the outcome will be.

 

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

View related articles

Go to the News Overview
Nuts
Aug 24, 2026
NEW DELHI. Indian peanut prices have been under pressure for the past three weeks. The expected higher crop volume and high stock levels are weighing on the market, whilst the rainfall deficit in Gujarat could influence future developments.
Nuts
Aug 24, 2026
NEW DELHI/HO CHI MINH. Demand has been a key player for market dynamics in Burkina Faso and Togo. In Vietnam, buyers and sellers are having trouble coming to terms for cashews. In India, the festival season is impacting demand. Global production will range lower than last year.
Nuts
Aug 20, 2026
SACRAMENTO/REUS. With harvesting well underway a more consistent picture is emerging for US almonds. Harvest reports are also impacting prices. INC estimates predict a similar kernel production to last year.
Nuts
Aug 20, 2026
ORDU/REUS. With TMO and free market prices diverging for hazelnuts the market is anxiously waiting for growers to act. Anticipation is that new crop arrivals may be delayed. Production estimates have changed for Italy.