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
Apr 1, 2025
MADRID. March was too wet for Spain’s crucial bloom period. On top of this, the proposed EU tariffs on US almonds are a nuisance for the industry. Spain’s exports have bounced back in the fist six months of the season.
Nuts
Mar 31, 2025
NEW DELHI/BRASÍLIA. Due to supply difficulties from Sudan and a renewed trade war with the USA, Brazil could become the most important source of supply for Chinese buyers. Prices in India remain volatile.
Nuts
Mar 31, 2025
SANTIAGO/DALIAN. Chile has witnessed a sharp downturn in exports according to the final report issued for 2024/2025 by ChileNut. Prospects may be much better for this year, yet the market is far from upbeat. International buyers are turning to China.
Nuts
Mar 28, 2025
ORDU. Recent weather events and political upheaval are dominating the current market activities for hazelnuts in Turkey. Farmers are, however, much more concerned with a different issue. The TMO is currently selling good volumes.