Agri Kultuur August / Augustus 2018 | Page 43

only 1% of the tree nut collective. This has tended to position the nut as a delicacy. With huge expansion in available supply this looks set to change. (Almonds represent 30%, walnuts 21%, cashews 19%, pistachios 14%, hazels 12%, pecans 3%, macadamias 1% and brazils and pines less than 1% of the tree nut basket.) This is strongly supported when viewed alongside the multi-billion Dollar market value of all tree nuts. For example, the 2017 / 2018 supply value (estimated as the tree nut production per its unitary price, customs paid upon arrival) in Europe alone was $42 million. This is 36% up when compared over the last ten years. Growing from a relatively small base, the challenge has been to garner enough industry muscle to bring to the fore what makes macadamias so special. Recent research demonstrates that macadamias are, amongst others: • Highest levels of monounsaturated fat (the good fat) of all nuts • High in omega 7 • High in Palmitoleic Acid, well known to the cosmetic industry, is an anti-ageing agent • Beneficial to weight control and endothelial function Outstanding within this is the market value for macadamias specifically which is up 72%. Expect to see more macadamias in milks, butters, nut mix drinks, vegan cheeses and as an ingredient in a host of other new products. • Help with insulin regulation, cholesterol and cardiovascular health “As trends like veganism, eating organic and preserving the environ