We’re giving Queensland’s macadamia industry tools to innovate, add value and compete in growing international markets.
With global macadamia production expected to double during the next decade, we’re working to unlock new opportunities for food manufacturers in Australia and Asia.
In collaboration with industry, we’ve launched a suite of macadamia value-adding guides to support creation of high-value snacks, bakery items, dips, praline filling and nut pastes.
In coming months, we will expand on this work, beginning research in three more high-growth categories: bars and bites; ice cream; and gelato.
Australian Macadamia Society market development manager Laura Davies said while whole and half kernels were widely consumed, only 35% of kernels were used in value-added products.
“As global supply increases, the use of macadamias in expanded markets and products becomes critical,” Laura said.
“These value adding guides create opportunities for manufacturers to use every part of the kernel – including smaller pieces – as well as macadamia meal, while creating premium products that meet consumer expectations for taste, quality and clean-label credentials.”
Unlocking greater value
DPI food innovation science leader Kerridyn Hooker said the value adding guides would support product innovation and help unlock greater value from Australian macadamias.
“In fast paced innovation cycles, product developers are continually looking for solutions that reduce risk and speed up development,” she said.
“Our macadamia value-adding guides do exactly that; they create concepts that can be implemented in real manufacturing environments.”
The guides, which offer practical insights, formulation tips, processing guidance and case studies, are already contributing to global product innovation. The number of new macadamia products launched worldwide climbed 14% to 762 in the year ending March 2026.
Funded by Hort Innovation’s macadamia grower levies and backed by the DPI’s next-generation food science capabilities and world-class food pilot plant, this research will boost demand for Australian-grown macadamias as global supply rises.
International appeal
We recently showcased the macadamia value adding guides to international audiences in Japan and Korea, helping drive demand for Queensland-grown product.
“These events offered an incredible opportunity to showcase Queensland’s expertise directly to product development professionals, importers, food manufacturers, retailers and the media,” Kerridyn said.
“The guides were particularly well received due to their practical, step-by-step approach.”
By translating research into practical tools, these resources will help deliver on Primary Industries Prosper 2050, benefiting Queensland’s $157 million macadamia industry.
Last updated: 02 Jun 2026