Macadamia Nuts Thrive in China’s Growing Healthy Snack Market

In the wake of China’s burgeoning enthusiasm for healthy snacks, macadamia nuts and other nuts have emerged as key players, ushering in a “golden age” of macadamia consumption.

The German-Australian botanist Ferdinand von Mueller named the genus Macadamia in 1857 in honor of his friend, Scottish-Australian chemist, teacher and politician John Macadam. Toward the end of the 19th century, large quantities of macadamia nuts native to Australia were planted in Hawaii, which earned the nuts the moniker xiàwēiyí guǒ (“Hawaii nuts”) in China.

Global in-shell macadamia nut supply is forecast to see a compound annual growth rate of 11% over the next five years, with supply rising to over 500,000 metric tons (3.5% moisture) by 2027. In 2022, the supply was 298,000 metric tons. In 2020, the industry predicted that supply would double from 2020 to 2024 and triple by the end of the decade, and numbers are tracking to this projection.

Established in 2021, the World Macadamia Organisation is committed to promoting the consumption of macadamia nuts around the world by highlighting their nutritional benefits. Current members include some of the world’s leading producers of macadamia nuts, including South Africa, Australia, Guatemala, Brazil, Vietnam and Kenya.

In recent years, China has become an important global producer of macadamia nuts, with acreage and production in Yunnan and Guangxi provinces increasing year by year. China is also a major consumer of the nuts, accounting for approximately 26% of total worldwide consumption in 2021/22. Macadamia nuts were traditionally sold in the in-shell format as gifts for Chinese New Year, often raising the premium perceptions of the gifts. Over the last two years, however, in-shell macadamia nuts are being sold in smaller formats for less formal occasions, and there has been a significant increase in kernel products, including the popular “crispy-coated” offers. These new formats have driven macadamia nuts to become available in more outlets while increasing consumer engagement.

Recognizing China’s significance, the World Macadamia Organisation is actively promoting macadamia nuts in the Chinese market. In 2022, the organization launched the Love Macadamia campaign, aiming to educate consumers on the nutritional value and health benefits of the nuts. The campaign provides inspiration for recipes aligned with popular diet trends and catering to various preferences, including ketogenic, gluten-free and vegan diets.

The organization is seeking partners to collaboratively promote macadamia nuts in the Chinese market and encourages the creation of innovative localized macadamia products to foster a love for the nuts.

For additional information about the World Macadamia Organisation and nutritional details on macadamia nuts, please visit https://www.lovemacadamia.org/.

Images: World Macadamia Organisation

This article was based on a Chinese article. Read the original article.