Australian macadamia crop forecast steady at 40,000 tonnes in-shell
“Continued favourable weather conditions in all growing regions, better kernel quality than we’ve seen in some years, and good kernel recoveries mean that the in-shell forecast remains unchanged at 40,000 tonnes (at 10 per cent moisture),” said AMS Chief Executive Officer Jolyon Burnett.
Mr. Burnett said approximately 25 per cent of the crop is still to be delivered (macadamia harvest season lasts for up to six months, and ends in August/September), and there is still some potential for movement on the final figure.
“It is unlikely the figure will increase, and it appears we will end up on par with our 2012 in-shell crop of 40,000 tonnes,” said Mr. Burnett.
Despite the larger crop, the available kernel is expected to be around 8,650 tonnes in 2014.
This is due to strong Chinese demand for in-shell, combined with almost no ‘carry-in’ from 2013. Significantly more in-shell (around 10,000 tonnes) will be shipped to China this year (up from an estimated 5,000 tonnes in 2013).
The 2013 Australian macadamia crop totalled 35,200 tonnes in-shell (with available kernel of 8,400 tonnes).
The AMS will provide an updated forecast in September and will release the final figure for the 2014 crop in December.
For more information:
Jolyon Burnett
Australian Macadamia Society
Tel: +61 2 6622 4933
www.australian-macadamias.org/industry