Kakuzi PLC, a leading agribusiness company in Kenya, recently welcomed Jillian Laing, the CEO of the World Macadamia Organisation (WMO), for a weeklong source market familiarisation visit aimed at exploring the growing global demand for macadamias and the role of the Kenyan industry in this expansion. The visit, which included a tour of Kakuzi’s Macadamia Orchards in Murang’a County, highlighted the continued growth of the macadamia sector, driven by the superfood’s health benefits and rising consumer demand in key international markets.
Macadamia, often regarded as a “superfood” due to its rich nutritional profile, has seen increasing demand globally, and the WMO is actively working to support this growth. In the medium term, global macadamia supply is projected to increase significantly, from 345,700 tons in 2024 to 560,000 tons by 2029, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.2%. This surge in demand presents opportunities for Kenyan producers, positioning the country as one of the leading exporters in the global macadamia market.
Laing’s visit to Kakuzi highlighted the company’s commitment to sustainable farming practices and value-added product diversification. She commended the quality of Kakuzi’s macadamia orchards and its innovative product range, which includes cold-pressed macadamia oil and ready-to-eat snacks. The WMO CEO emphasized that such value-added products are key to meeting the growing international demand and expanding the global footprint of macadamia-based goods.
“We are focused on promoting macadamias globally to help consumers connect with the benefits of including them in their food choices. This not only stimulates growth in existing markets but also opens untapped markets like India, China, and the United States,” Laing said. She added that the WMO’s mission includes raising the profile of macadamias, improving sustainability practices, and facilitating easy access to information for food manufacturers and consumers alike.
Kenya currently ranks as the third-largest exporter of macadamias, with an estimated delivery of 44,000 metric tons by the end of 2024. This places it behind South Africa, which is forecasted to export more than 88,000 metric tons, and Australia, which is expected to deliver 50,830 metric tons. Despite being a relatively young player in the global macadamia industry, Kenya’s position is steadily improving, thanks to increasing local production and the growing recognition of its high-quality nuts.
Kakuzi, one of Kenya’s key macadamia producers, has been instrumental in driving this growth. The company began its macadamia operations in 2007, converting fields previously dedicated to coffee and pineapples into thriving macadamia orchards. Today, Kakuzi’s macadamia division covers over 1,379 hectares, with plans to expand as the orchards mature. The company provides more than 1,200 jobs in rural areas, and this number is expected to double as production continues to rise.
In response to the growing demand for value-added products, Kakuzi recently commissioned a Macadamia Oil Extraction Plant with a daily extraction capacity of 1,000 liters per week. This new plant is part of Kakuzi’s broader strategy to diversify its revenue streams and reduce dependence on raw nut exports. The company also operates one of the largest macadamia processing plants in the region, with an installed capacity of 2,000 tons of saleable kernel (SK).
Beyond value-added products, Kakuzi is also focusing on sustainability. As part of its efforts to become carbon neutral, the company is exploring innovative ways to utilize macadamia byproducts, such as shells, for energy generation and the production of activated carbon. These efforts align with the company’s broader environmental goals and contribute to its vision of sustainable and responsible farming.
The WMO’s support for the Kenyan macadamia industry is crucial in helping to meet the increasing global demand for the superfood. By collaborating with local producers like Kakuzi, the WMO aims to expand market access, improve sustainability practices, and drive further growth in the global macadamia market. As Laing noted, the continued growth of the macadamia sector in Kenya is a positive development not only for local farmers but also for global consumers looking to enjoy the health benefits of this versatile nut.
