Nuts and their health benefits are widely understood. Green & Gold Macadamias has reported a 60 % rise in global tree nut consumption, which is a testament to the fact that people are eating more and more of them. As a result of this, the market value for macadamias is up by 72 %. Unique for their taste and health benefits, growth in demand for macadamias has been outstanding and 112 % more macadamias have been exported around the world over the last ten years, according to Green & Gold Macadamias.

Macadamias offer a smooth and buttery texture, and they don’t have a gritty mouthfeel like other nuts. So, this nut complements chocolate, ice-cream and the dough in baked goods very well. It also has some unique health benefits like zero cholesterol, being the highest in monounsaturated fat and omega 7.

According to Innova Market Insights, macadamia nut applications are promising and the market analyst highlights that cereal and energy bars are the fastest growing categories using macadamia nuts as an ingredient. Growth in the number of new F&B launches tracked with macadamia nuts has grown 6 %.

Originating from north-eastern Australia and first commercialized in Hawaii, they represent 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. Currently, 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.