UQ students assess Chinese markets for Australian macadamias

Australian macadamia nut consumption in China is on the increase, judging by a market study by a group of UQ Gatton agribusiness students.

China is a major processing hub for nut-in-shell macadamias with re-exports back to Australia and to third countries as well as local market sales. It is also developing its own macadamia-growing industry, according to UQ Gatton agribusiness lecturer Dr Sherrie Wei.

Dr Wei, who accompanied the students to China and Hong Kong, said macadamias were used in Chinese niche markets such as expensive restaurants.

The students surveyed consumers, held focus groups and visited processing plants. Talks were also held with Austrade officials and Queensland Department of State Development representatives in Hong Kong.

The Australian Macadamia Society and Horticulture Australia supported the market study.

Society Executive Officer Andrew Heap said the student report would be valuable in assessing the future development of the Chinese market.

“China is one of the biggest nut-consuming countries in the world and has enormous potential,” Mr Heap said.

“Given the importance of China in macadamia processing, we will also benefit from knowledge of their quality control levels and standards.

“It’s been very worthwhile engaging the UQ Gatton students to make an independent assessment of the Chinese market.”

UQ Gatton Agribusiness Associate Professor Ray Collins said the Chinese macadamia market study was one of five overseas projects completed by final year students in 2002.

“We concentrate on the Asian markets which are so important to Australian exporters and our senior staff have developed extremely valuable contacts through regular annual visits to the region,” he said.

“Students have assessed markets for a wide range of companies over the past few years and their reports have been extremely well-received.”

Dr Collins said the client company awarded 40 percent of the subject marks, making the program unique.

The agribusiness degree at UQ Gatton is well-regarded by industry and graduates enjoy a high success rate in gaining jobs.

“Our program is supplying an employment growth market,” Dr Collins said.

Media: For more information contact Associate Professor Ray Collins telephone 07 5460 1328.