After so many years of barrenness and meager returns, production of the nuts has increased tremendously in the last decade from about 11,000 metric tonnes in 2009 to over 41,000 metric tonnes and 30 processors today, making Kenya the number three producer in the world, after South Africa and Australia.
Why did the export basket of nuts & oil crops increase in 2021?
The export basket of Nuts and oil crops products (macadamia, cashew and coconut increased by 679 tons from 6,065.68 tons valued at Ksh 6.7 billion reported in the year 2020 to 6,716.52 tons valued at Ksh 7.9 billion recorded in 2021. The main contributor for the increased exports was from macadamia nuts kernel and ready to eat cashewnuts.
Why did Kenya export a lot of macadamia nuts & cashewnuts?
The main contributor for the increased exports was from macadamia nuts kernel and ready to eat cashewnuts. Industry players reported increased demand from traditional buyers of Kenya’s produce as the world recovers from the Covid 19 market disruptions.
Which countries produce macadamia nut?
There were only four other nut producing countries in the world ? Australia, South Africa, Kenya and Hawaii in the United States, with Kenya supplying about 20 per cent of the total global demand. Between 90 and 95 per cent of Kenya’s macadamia is produced for export.