Macadamia prices hold firm amid smaller crop

Despite the challenges faced by the international macadamia industry during the past season, the current crop is looking favourable.

- Lindi Botha

The global 2020 macadamia crop suffered a blow as yields dropped 3% amid unfavourable weather conditions. Although sales have, for the most part, held firm over the past few months, this reduction in supply could serve to benefit farmers in terms of prices paid for the nuts.

In South Africa, which was the world’s largest producer of macadamias, the yield was down 16% from last year’s crop of 59 050t. Instead of the annual increase in yield achieved through rapid orchard expansions, the local crop was only expected to reach 49 503t nut-in-shell (NIS), measured at 1,5% kernel moisture content.

Lizel Pretorius, CEO of Macadamias South Africa (SAMAC), said that although rainfall during the past season was average, it was assumed that the after-effects of the drought were still lingering.