The 2016 Australian macadamia crop is on track to reach 46,750 tonnes in-shell @ 3.5% moisture (50,000 tonnes in-shell @ 10% moisture) and Bundaberg is set to become the largest macadamia growing region by the end of the year, announced the Australian Macadamia Society (AMS) today, 12 September, in its third forecast.
Australian macadamia production has been steadily increasing over the last three years (the 2016 crop is four per cent up from last year) and Australia is now the world’s biggest supplier of macadamia kernel.
The available kernel is expected to be around 10,200t (similar to 2015), with NIS exports remaining stable at around 30% of the crop.
Australian Macadamia Society (AMS) Chief Executive Officer Jolyon Burnett says global demand for both kernel and in-shell remains strong, and predicts further growth in the Australian macadamia crop as Australian macadamia growers continue to invest in productivity improvements in their orchards.
“The Australian macadamia industry has a good geographical spread across a number of key growing regions, making it a steady, reliable source of high quality kernel and in-shell to world markets,” says Mr. Burnett.
“Our industry continues to show strong support for the kernel markets worldwide. At the same time, we strive to achieve a good balance between supplying these markets and meeting demand for in-shell,” he
said.
Mr. Burnett says the Bundaberg region will produce more than 40 per cent of Australia’s macadamia crop this year, making it Australia’s largest macadamia producing region, just in front of the Northern Rivers region of NSW.
“Production in the Bundaberg region has increased by 10-20 per cent this year, a direct result of new plantings coming into production and good growing conditions. It’s in this region and its surrounds that we are seeing the highest number of new investments and plantings,” says Mr. Burnett.
The 2016 Australian macadamia harvest is now almost complete, with many growers already busy preparing for the 2017 crop. The final figure for the 2016 crop will be announced by the AMS in late November 2016.
This industry forecast is part of project ‘MC15009 Macadamia Crop Forecasting 2015-2018’ which has been funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited using the macadamia industry levy and funds from the Australian Government.
For more information:
Jolyon Burnett -CEO
Australian Macadamia Society
Mob: 0416 224 935
Tel: 1800 262 426 (Aust) or +61 2 6622 4933