By L, KNA
Kenya has positioned its macadamia industry at the centre of its participation at the Expo 2025 Osaka, in Japan highlighting the crop’s growing contribution to agricultural exports, rural livelihoods and international trade.
Kenya’s exhibition stand drew thousands of visitors who sampled premium macadamia nuts and received insights into the nation’s growing capacity in production and value addition.
In a press statement to newsrooms, the Kenya Pavilion team said the showcase aimed at positioning the nuts as a high-quality, healthy and sustainably produced snack for the Japanese and wider Asian markets.
The country ranks as the third-largest producer of macadamia globally, supplying about 13 percent of total output. Importantly, the crop is grown by more than 500,000 smallholder farmers across central, eastern and coastal regions, making it a vital source of income in rural areas.
In addition, official data showed the total area under macadamia rose from 10,849 hectares in 2023 to 11,090 hectares in 2024, reflecting a 2.2 percent expansion.
Further, export volumes also increased, with 46,400 tonnes shipped in 2023 compared to 51,200 tonnes in 2024 as earnings stood at Sh7.6 billion last year, signaling strong international demand.
“Kenya counts the United States, Netherlands, Germany, Vietnam, China and Japan among its key markets, which together absorb more than 86 percent of exports. In Japan, demand has been growing steadily, with the nuts appreciated for their distinctive flavour and natural quality,” read the statement.
During the showcase, visitors were guided through post-harvest handling, roasting and packaging processes designed to guarantee traceability, safety and freshness.
One of the Pavilion staff explained that these measures are critical in meeting Japan’s preference for healthy foods sourced through sustainable farming practices.
The team also emphasized that alongside macadamia, Kenya is scaling up cashew and peanut production, with industry stakeholders working to strengthen the nut value chain.
Additionally, they underlined that this growth not only supports exports but also enhances food security, creates jobs and fosters agro-industries in rural areas.
Kenya’s stand was one of the most visited exhibitions at the event which has attracted more than 1.5 million visitors to date.
Similarly, the macadamia feature was among several themed activities designed to highlight the nation’s strengths in agriculture, tourism, innovation and cultural heritage.
Pavilion organizers also noted that such engagements are helping to deepen trade and cultural ties with Japan and other global partners.
With expanding local processing capacity remaining a top priority, the Pavilion team stressed that moving beyond raw nut exports into roasting, packaging and branding within Kenya will enable farmers to capture more value in international markets.
According to the team, ongoing initiatives are also supporting the growth of SMEs and cooperatives in the nut sector, helping farmers connect more directly with global buyers.
Further, the organizers observed that favourable climatic conditions, the opening of new growing regions and rising investments are accelerating the industry’s expansion.
These factors, combined with strong market demand, are expected to sustain the sector’s role in boosting rural incomes and positioning Kenya as a competitive supplier in the global snack industry.
Meanwhile, the nut industry showcase formed part of a broader strategy to demonstrate how Kenya is leveraging agriculture to drive inclusive growth, while also promoting itself as a trade, tourism and innovation hub.