Growers produced 53,950 tonnes in-shell at 3.5 per cent moisture, up 11.5 per cent on 2023 volumes
The Australian Macadamia Society (AMS) has announced Australian macadamia growers produced 53,950 tonnes in-shell at 3.5 per cent moisture (57,850 tonnes in-shell at 10 per cent moisture) over the 2024 season.
While slightly below this year’s original forecast of 56,000 tonnes in-shell at 3.5p er cent moisture (60,000 tonnes in-shell at 10 per cent moisture), the crop exceeded the revised July forecast and represents an 11.5 per cent increase on 2023 production.
AMS chief executive Clare Hamilton-Bate noted that the season surpassed expectations despite challenging conditions.
“For many growers, the 2024 season brought prolonged heat and extended wet weather,” she said. “Nonetheless, harvest continued into November for some, resulting in a longer-than-usual season.”
Hamilton-Bate highlighted improvements in kernel recovery and nut size, and sound overall quality, as well as a marked increase in the volume of tonnes cracked which has improved the quantity of kernel available to the market.
Australian growers are now turning their attention to the 2025 crop, and most regions have experienced favourable growing conditions to date.
“Some parts of South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales have experienced mixed conditions with high temperatures and wet weather, but overall flowering and nut set have been good,” she said.
“In addition, we expect a significant number of young trees to come into bearing next year which will have a positive effect on the crop. The outlook is optimistic but of course it’s still very early days.”
The 2024 crop is based on actual factory receipts of the Australian Macadamia Handlers Association (AMHA) to date and estimated production for non-members. The AMHA represents 90 per cent of the macadamia crop in Australia.
