Australian macadamia growers have produced a 2024 crop of 53,950 tonnes in-shell at 3.5% moisture (57,850 tonnes in-shell at 10% moisture) announced the peak industry body, the Australian Macadamia Society (AMS) today.
While slightly below this year’s original forecast of 56,000 tonnes in-shell at 3.5% moisture (60,000 tonnes in-shell at 10% moisture), the crop exceeded the revised July forecast and represents an 11.5% increase on 2023 production.
AMS CEO 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. Nonetheless, harvest continued into November for some, resulting in a longer-than-usual season,” she said.
Ms 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 NSW have experienced mixed conditions with high temperatures and wet weather, but overall flowering and nut set have been good.
“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,” said Ms Hamilton-Bate.
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% of the macadamia crop in Australia.
