- Macadamia nut exports surged by 53%, from 5.24 million kilograms in 2023 to 8.02 million kilograms in 2024
- Export revenue grew by 29%, climbing from US$6.79 million to US$8.75 million
- Macadamia nuts are valued for healthy fats, protein, fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
Harare-Zimbabwe's macadamia nut industry has experienced growth, with exports surging by 53% from 5.24 million kilograms in 2023 to 8.02 million kilograms in 2024.
This increase in export volume has generated a revenue growth of 29%, climbing from US$6.79 million to US$8.75 million according to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (Zimstat).
Despite these gains, the industry faced challenges, particularly a steep decline in prices, which have dropped 63% since 2020, from US$2.91 per kilogram to US$1.09 per kilogram in 2024 due to an oversupply in the global market, particularly in Europe and the United States.
Macadamia nuts are prized for their rich flavour and high nutritional value particularly healthy fats, protein, fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a sought-after commodity in various markets.
They are commonly used in baking, cooking, and as snacks.
The nuts are included in the horticulture sub sector and are the leading horticultural export crop accounting for 30 percent of the horticultural exports which in turn contributes about 6.5 per cent to total agricultural output and accounts for 4.5 percent of total agricultural export earnings according to Zimtrade.
In 2019, Zimbabwe was recorded the sixth top exporter of macadamia nuts globally, accounting for 4 percent of global market share, with the potential to become one of the top three leading exporters in the next decade.
Their popularity has led to increased demand in international markets, particularly in Asia.
The Chinese market is the key player in the demand for macadamia nuts, prompting calls for trade protocols to enhance market access and stabilize prices.
Formal companies that cultivate macadamia nuts include Tanganda Tea and Ariston Holdings.
However most farmers do not have drying facilities and are forced to dispose off their nuts in shell even at a lower price to local middle man to salvage something.
The Macadamia Producers Association of Zimbabwe are urging the government to secure duty-free access to the Chinese market, similar to the arrangements made for avocados and citrus fruits.
Such measures could significantly enhance the profitability of macadamia farming and incentivise more farmers to enter the industry.
The government should invest in agricultural research and development, focusing on improving farming techniques and pest management strategies to boost yields and quality.
In 2023, the country recorded the lowest macadamia nuts prices of US$0.60 c per kilogramme resulting in many farmers failing to buy the requires inputs for production therefore the quality of the fruit was negatively affected.
Despite the potential that exists in the macadamia global market, production in Zimbabwe remains incommensurate to the opportunities that exists.
Hectarage under macadamia has almost doubled between 2013 and 2023, however production has only increased by 13 percent .
Agricultural Marketing Authority in 2023 have shown that Zimbabwe has the capacity to further double its present hectarage in two years and most of this expansion is coming from smallholder farmers.
However, it remains questionable if continued expansion in the macadamia nut orchards will translate into increased production and productivity which the country has not fulfilled in the past decade.
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