News

Macadamias Australia has officially opened its state-of-the-art cracking, value-adding and tourism facility, which will help keep pace with Bundaberg’s rapidly growing supply of nuts. 

With the region on track to produce more than 35,000 tonnes of nut in shell annually in the next decade the new facility will provide much-needed security for growers, according to Macadamias Australia Director Janelle Gerry. 

“With the forecast growth of our own orchards and the region it became very apparent that there was going to be a shortage of cracking facilities,” Janelle said. “We couldn’t conceive that having spent so many years growing and caring for the crop that it may not be able to be processed.” 

The facility has capacity to process more than 9000 tonnes of nut in shell each year, with 3000 tonnes coming directly from Macadamias Australia’s orchards. 

Growers, local officials and representatives were given an opportunity to see the facility up close at the official opening on July 30. 

Bundaberg grower Craig Van Rooyen, from Van Rooyen Group, said the new facility “puts Bundaberg on the map.” 

“It is really important to have this kind of state-of-the-art facility in our region.  

“It also employs local people. It’s a fully sustainable system. I’m so excited about this for this region and a great credit goes to the Steinhardt family.” 

The facility also aligns with another key strategic initiative for Macadamias Australia; producing premium quality value-added macadamia products to be sold domestically and internationally. 

With a value-added range that includes chocolate coated, flavoured nuts and the popular Happy Nuts, Macadamias Australia is establishing itself on retail shelves around the world. 

“Value adding macadamia’s is a key strategic initiative of ours and we intend to continue to invest in research and development to create an additional range of innovative products,” Janelle said. 

“We believe that to create a sustainable future for all we need to rely less on global commodity prices by producing a diverse range of value-added products. 

“The plant has been designed to provide for a large area for future value-adding initiatives.  We have been overwhelmed by the success of the launch of our retail cut nut line which is now retailing throughout Asia as well as domestically, online and in our farmgate shop.” 

Visit the Macadamias Australia website here: https://www.macadamiasaustralia.net/