Macadamia Nuts are one of the most lucrative exports from Kenya.
Its uses range from being fed on as snacks and used as ingredients, for example in cookies or ice cream. – By Gerald Gekara
The government has kickstarted a campaign to boost its local production and processing, inorder to harness its high global market value.
For instance, in 2018, exports of macadamia kernel had a value of KES 1,380 per kilo, making it one of the most lucrative cash crops in Kenya after tea.
Kenya is currently the world’s 3rd largest macadamia producer, with markets in the United States, European Union, Japan and China.
Macadamia imports to Europe increased in recent years. They are mostly consumed as roasted and salted snacks and in snack mixes.
Key countries of origin are South Africa (42%) followed by Kenya 24% and Australia with 18% of total imports in 2018.
The U.S. and the EU-28 as the top 2 importers of macadamia kernel from Kenya accounted on average for 89 percent of the country’s total macadamia kernel export volume in the 5-year period from 2014 to 2018.
Europe’s importance as an export market for Kenyan macadamia shows an increasing trend, with imports growing from 1,268 tonnes in 2014 to 1,654 in 2018.
However, the country seeks to tap into potential gaps in 19 Asian, European and Middle Eastern markets, with Hong Kong, Pakistan, India, Netherlands, Germany and the UK showing the greatest potential.
Where it is grown
The valuable nut is produced in Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Nandi counties in the West of the country.
However, the state is pushing for farmers to cultivate the crop in the east and central parts of Meru, Taita Taveta, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Embu, and Tharaka-Nithi.
In order to boost the value of Kenya’s exports, the government through the ministry of agriculture has promoted the establishment of processing factories and the crack-down on middlemen that seek to purchase immature Nut-In-Shell macadamia and smuggle them out of the country.
