Macadamias: start of harvest in Kenya
March 5, 2025 at 12:52 PM ,
Der AUDITOR
Australia wants to conquer the Indian market
According to the Australian Macadamia Society (AMS), Australia could almost double its annual macadamia production in the next five years. In 2024, a total of 57,000 mt of macadamia nuts were harvested, while the forecast for 2029 is just under 100,000 mt. However, the Chairwoman of the AMS, Clare Hamilton-Bate, describes this growth as theoretical, as both the climate and business decisions can still have a significant impact here. However, she also emphasises that both prices and demand have recovered well after the slump in 2022 and suppliers are now endeavouring to secure and expand the markets, as reported by ABC News. India in particular is the focus here, as the market offers good opportunities. A total of 44,000 hectares of macadamia trees are grown in Australia, with plantings having more than doubled within eight years. Queensland accounts for 70% of the Australian crop. The World Macadamia Organisation estimates that global macadamia production will increase by around 10% annually.
Kenya stands in its own way
Harvesting began in Kenya last Saturday, 1 March, as the Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has announced. The current ban on the export of raw in-shell macadamias remains in place and is in line with government policy, Kenya News reports. Recently, a meeting of macadamia industry stakeholders was held where Kagwe emphasised the need for a unified approach to turn the sector's challenges into opportunities. He urged macadamia farmers to register with the Kenya Integrated Agricultural Management System (KIAMIS) for better planning and coordination with the government and private sector partners. Kenya News also states that a macadamia nut committee is planned to ensure better traceability and take action against non-compliance. Kenya ranks third in the world in macadamia production and revenue, but internal disputes continue to challenge the market and risk jeopardising this position.
EU imports down sharply
EU macadamia imports have totalled 971 mt since the beginning of the year, which is 21.5% less than in the same period last year. South Africa remains the most important supplier, increasing its shipments to EU countries by more than 21%. Australian deliveries, meanhwhile, fell by a good 8%, and the decline in Kenyan exports to the EU, which fell by more than 80%, is particularly noticeable. The largest importers in the EU were Germany (-21.3% to 292 mt), the Netherlands (-42.9% to 276 mt) and Belgium (+63.9% to 136 mt). The import value rose by more than 25% to EUR 11.36 million despite the decline in import volumes.
|
EU macadamia imports, in mt |
|||
|
Supplier |
2024 |
2025 |
Diff. |
|
South Africa |
589 |
715 |
21.4% |
|
Australia |
123 |
113 |
-8.1% |
|
Kenya |
404 |
79 |
-80.4% |
|
Guatemala |
- |
29 |
n/a |
|
Vietnam |
24 |
27 |
12.5% |
|
Others |
97 |
8 |
-91.8% |
|
Total |
1,237 |
971 |
-21.5% |
|
DG AGRI TAXUD Customs Surveillance System, 01/01-02/03 08026200 Fresh or dried macadamia nuts, shelled |
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