AU: Final macadamia crop 43,600 tonnes in-shell
In-shell sales increased 124% to 11,200 tonnes, leaving just 32,400 tonnes in-shell processed to produce 9500 tonnes of kernel.
Kernel supplies remain tight with approximately 7% kernel stock uncommitted at the end of October compared with 9% the year prior.
Australian Macadamia Society Chief Executive Officer Jolyon Burnett attributed a mix of favourable weather conditions, good pricing and a comparatively long harvest to the higher than expected crop size.
“There was an early start to the season and a long tail, with many growers only completing harvest in late November,” said Mr. Burnett. (The macadamia harvest season normally runs from February/March to August/September).
“As well, and because there was minimal wet weather, growers were able to continually harvest throughout the season unimpeded by rain. Good prices made it more profitable for growers to conduct an additional ‘late harvest’ pick-up, and therefore a very high percentage of the total crop has been harvested overall.”
Mr. Burnett said the dry conditions meant there was less disease in macadamia orchards this year, and therefore kernel recovery has been significantly higher.
“The ‘A’ variety macadamia trees, which are ‘late season’ varieties, also performed well this season, and these have a higher kernel recovery,” said Mr. Burnett.
“Overall, global demand remains strong and is not showing any signs of slowing down.”
The 2014 Australian macadamia crop figure is provided by the Australian Macadamia Society (AMS) based on actual factory receipts of the Australian Macadamia Handlers Association (AMHA). Members account for over 90% of all macadamia handling in Australia.
For more information:
Jolyon Burnett
Australian Macadamia Society
Mob: 0416 224 935
Tel: +61 2 6622 4933
www.australian-macadamias.org/industry