Online Reporter
Edgar Vhera
Specialist Writer – Agribusiness
FARMERS have so far earned US$753 278 from the sale of 917 526 kilogrammes of macadamia nuts during the 2026 marketing season.
The macadamia nuts marketing season commenced in March with the harvesting of early maturing Integrifolia species.
Statistics from the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA)’s market update report dated July 10 show that Agrimap Pvt Ltd bought 620 000kg of the fruit at an average price of US$0,86 per kg with farmers grossing US$533 200.
Dexing Pvt Ltd also purchased 148 000kg at an average price of US$0,80 injecting US$118 400 into growers’ pockets.
The last merchant, Parrogate Pvt Ltd paid US$101 678 for the purchase of 149 526kg of the nut at an average price of US$0,68.
“Between January and May 2026, macadamia exports totalled 1 501 140kg valued at US$1 422 337.
“This marks a notable decline from the 2 648 330kg (valued at US$3 178 772) exported during the same period in 2025 marking a 43,3 and 55,3 percent drop in volume and value terms respectively,” said AMA.
The authority attributed the downturn to a slow start to the new marketing season as a result of late rains.
However, the Horticultural Development Council (HDC) June 2026 update report showed that Zimbabwe’s macadamia industry was poised for a strong rebound this season with yields expected to rise by 20–40 percent compared to last year, signalling improved productivity and growth in the sector.
“The improvement follows excellent seasonal rains across major production areas, providing a sharp contrast to the dry conditions that affected last season’s crop.
“Although the harvest is still only about a quarter complete, growers report that orchards are performing well with early indications pointing towards a productive year,” reads the report.
The HDC said global demand for macadamia nuts remained strong with producers reporting growing interest from international buyers, with potential new markets exploring opportunities in Zimbabwe on a regular basis.
The combination of higher production and a healthy demand is expected to support the sector’s continued recovery and growth, added the HDC.
The council said more detailed production figures will become available as the harvest progresses, but early signs suggest 2026 could be one of the industry’s strongest seasons in recent years.
Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Zhou Ding, revealed that Beijing last year imported 5 000 tonnes of macadamia from Harare worth US$12 million.
