large yields, tend to produce a smaller nut and
are more difficult to crack due to their lower
SKR ratios (less shell to nut by comparison
to other varieties). The 56% of South Africa’s
crop exported to China are mostly Beaumont
variety nuts.
20% of trees going into the ground are the
A4 variety, which usually deliver good sound
kernel recovery and larger nuts. Another 20%
are 816 variety and the remaining 10% a mix
of 849, 814, 842 and others.
Figure 1: South Africa export destinations
(source: SAMAC 2018)
The graphs below articulate South Africa’s
(currently the world’s largest producer) export
destinations alongside key global demand
regions: 56% of South Africa’s crop goes to
China. Although the Asian market represents
only 27% of global tree nut consumption.
Reports that China’s domestic crop is set to
grow exponentially over the next few years
indicates they will serve a large portion of their
demand provided through their own crop.
Figure 2: Estimated world tree nut
consumption (source INC 2018)
“Driven by aggressive demand and low levels
of compliance in the past, the Chinese market
will over the longer term stabilise. And as part
of this process 2018 has again faced some
uncertainty within this region. Chinese buyers
have not been as proactive as in the past in
procuring product and have little interest in
small in-shell sizes. Increasingly this market
becomes more discerning and with demand
shifts,” continues Whyte. ingredients sector,” says Whyte.
Both Whyte and Hassenkamp share the view
that in percentage terms the spread of global
nut consumption is unlikely to change (as
per Figure 2). However actual consumption is
projected to stay on the rise. “My advice to farmers is to plant a well-
balanced spread of cultivars based on careful
benchmarking of region and farm specific
analysis to ensure you’re well hedged for
future demand. It’s not just about what’s
profitable now - it is about what is sustainable
and expected from markets in 10 years from
now. A combination of volume and value is
paramount: the dynamic of yield and crack
out interplay of sound kernel recovery of
macadamia yields achieved is specific from
farmer to farmer,” concludes Hassenkamp.
“From a marketing perspective, we would
be wise to cultivate relationships, market
access and scope in the US and Europe.
Our marketing business, Green & Gold
Macadamias, is also proactive in creating the
right opportunities through our marketing
efforts to absorb nut pieces into the
AgriKultuur |AgriCulture
Green Farms Nut Company continues
to place strategic emphasis to support
changes in demand for size, quality, safety
and traceability. We work closely with our
processor partner network and Green &
Gold Macadamias, to ensure capability spans
improved cracking technology and value add
facilities continues Whyte.
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