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Macadamias: harvest in Australia almost complete

September 5, 2022 at 4:55 PM , Der AUDITOR
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CANBERRA. After the devastating storms and floods at the beginning of the year, the harvest in Australia is now almost complete. The quality is convincing and the growers are also satisfied with the crop quantity considering the difficult conditions.

Crop forecast confirmed

In the current crop estimate of the Australian Macadamia Society (AMS), the organisation confirms the forecast from the end of May, according to which the total Australian production this year will amount to 49,340 mt of inshell macadamias (3.5% moisture content). The original estimate of 54,930 mt had been revised at the end of April when severe storms and resulting flooding in New South Wales and Queensland caused crop damage. Harvesting was delayed in some growing regions, such as the hard-hit Northern Rivers region, but conditions have improved significantly in recent months. “Fortunately, sustained dry weather in the Northern Rivers in June and July has allowed growers to get back onto their orchards, and harvest activity in this region has really ramped up,” says Clare Hamilton-Bate, who has replaced Jolyon Burnett as CEO of the AMS.

Results by the end of December

Current indications are that about 90% of the harvest has been completed so far, including in the main growing region of Bundaberg, which accounts for about 46% of Australia's macadamia crop. Hamilton-Bate reports a very good harvest overall. “Across Queensland, generally crop yield is up. The increase in crop from Bundaberg is in line with expectations, given new plantings in recent years in this region. […] This is a pleasing result, especially considering the severe weather and very challenging conditions many growers have faced.” The final crop figures are due to be announced in December.

German imports up

German macadamia imports picked up in the period September 2021 to June 2022. The most important sourcing country remains South Africa (+13.1% to 1,532 mt), followed by Kenya (-2.5% to 766 mt) and Australia (-16.1% to 551 mt). In total, German imports amounted to 3,845 mt in the aforementioned period, which corresponds to an increase of 12.1% compared to the same period of last year.

Macadamia* imports, Germany, in mt

Country

2020/21

2021/22

Diff.

South Africa

1,355

1,532

13.1%

Kenya

786

766

-2.5%

Australia

657

551

-16.1%

Netherlands

340

530

55.9%

Malawi

104

175

68.3%

Others

187

291

55.6%

Total

3,429

3,845

12.1%

Federal Statistical Office of Germany / Sep-Jun

*08026200 Fresh or dried macadamia nuts, shelled

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