The latest farming trends and global forecast for fruit and nuts have signalled a strong growth trajectory - estimated at 211,101 tonnes worldwide for 2018, with South Africa showing the largest production of macadamias, with 54,000 tonnes, followed by Australia and Kenya.
With the growth trend set to extend far into the future, Sutton fostered close alliances with industry experts and positioned the Valley Macadamia Group for big future expansion in sub-Saharan Africa. The group is also looking ahead to future markets like India whilst continuing to service China, USA and Europe.
Sutton shared that production in China will be 19,000 tonnes in 2018 with a set growth of 10% per annum thereafter, and the Australian crop forecast for 2018 is estimated at 44,500 tonnes at 1.5% moisture. Australia currently exports 70% of their crop and is said to be developing an additional 3,500 hectares of macadamia trees in 2018.
"The increase in plantings on a global scale is set to continue and hopefully, this will stabilise the supply for what is seemingly an insatiable demand for macadamias worldwide. The generic marketing currently undertaken by the INC is an example of our industry body hard at work to perform the expansion of our product," said Sutton.
The group will be joining the Australian Macadamia Society as an international member from which to gain key learnings on macadamia marketing for the benefit of African macadamia exports.
