Australia’s 2015 macadamia crop volume is forecast to hit a three-year high, according to estimates released by the Australian Macadamia Society (AMS).
The peak industry body has suggested production is on track to hit 47,000 tonnes in-shell at 10 per cent moisture, up from 43,600 tonnes last season and 35,200 tonnes in 2013.
AMS chief executive Jolyon Burnett said there would be no problem moving the additional volume, with strong global demand for both the kernel and in-shell offerings. Burnett said there was particular promise for in-shell sales programmes into China.
“While strong Chinese demand for in-shell is expected to impact on the volume of kernel available, the Australian industry is seeking to maintain a good balance of in-shell and kernel,” Burnett explained.
Demand from traditional kernel markets also remains high, while interest from new, emerging markets like South Korea and Taiwan continues to grow.
“The crop is looking solid in all major growing regions, there was a very good nut -set and it appears we will return to a more normal drop pattern this year,” Burnett said. “Thankfully, the major growing regions of Bundaberg, Gympie, Glass House Mountains, Northern Rivers and Nambucca all avoided any major losses as a result of Cyclone Marcia last week. Our growers have invested significant time and resources into this crop, and have begun the long harvest season with optimism.”
The Australian macadamia harvest starts in early March, and continues for up to six months, with the last nuts collected from orchard floors in September.
