05/02/2026
South Africa leads the global macadamia market, producing about 30% of the world’s supply from roughly 85 000 tonnes annually and supporting nearly 97 500 jobs. As the industry grows, growers are adapting to a maturing market, shifting trade dynamics, and increasing climate and logistics pressures.
Against this backdrop, the 5th Ambermacs Macadamia Expo Feb 5th and 6th 2026 in White River is bringing together growers, researchers, input suppliers and industry partners from across the value chain. Known as South Africa’s largest specialised macadamia platform, the Expo focuses on practical, on-farm relevance — with sessions covering macroeconomic trends (featuring economist Dawie Roodt), soil correction, biological insect management and plant physiology in irrigation planning.
According to Gert van Tonder, InteliGro Area Manager for the Lowveld and KwaZulu-Natal, the Expo’s strength lies in turning complex challenges into practical solutions: “Within two days, growers are exposed to proven approaches and technologies that can be applied directly on-farm.”
While pricing pressures, climate variability and port constraints remain part of the landscape, there are signs of stabilisation in input costs and stronger collaboration across the industry. And as Van Tonder notes — long-term success starts on the farm but is built through shared knowledge and cooperation.
