The South African macadamia industry remains one of the most dynamic sectors in local agriculture, and the annual Amber Macs Macadamia Expo on 5 and 6 February 2026 is set to be the largest edition yet. Hosted at the state-of-the-art Amber Macs facility on Old Plaston Road in White River, the event attracts growers and industry experts for a comprehensive look at the future of the sector.
Focus on the Value Chain & Innovation
With global markets demanding higher quality standards and full traceability, this year’s expo pivots toward the entire value chain. Key focuses for 2026 include precision orchard management and biological pest control — essential for managing common threats like the nut borer. Furthermore, the integration of blockchain-based traceability is a major theme, helping local producers meet the rigorous export requirements of European and American markets.
Machinery & Live Demonstrations
The 2026 expo features over 150 exhibitors, providing a hands-on look at the latest specialised equipment. Throughout the two-day event, visitors can attend live demonstrations of high-efficiency sprayers designed to minimise drift and next-gen mechanical harvesters. These innovations are critical for producers looking to optimise yields while mitigating the rising operational costs that have defined the early 2026 season.
Keynote Speakers and Knowledge Sharing
A major highlight for 2026 is the keynote by renowned economist Dawie Roodt, who will provide a macro-economic outlook on the South African economy on Thursday, 5 February at 11:00 AM. Technical sessions will also feature industry specialists discussing the latest research on cultivar performance, irrigation efficiency, and self-regulating regenerative farming practices.
Networking, Entertainment, and Attendance
The event offers a unique, family-friendly networking environment. While farmers engage directly with buyers and exporters, the food court will host a variety of local vendors and live entertainment. Popular artist Barto is set to perform on Thursday evening, followed by Coenie Naude on Friday afternoon.
To manage the expected crowds, entry is limited to 3,000 guests, with tickets priced at R75 available via Quicket. For those arriving early, the first 1,000 visitors will receive a sponsor goodie bag. Organisers have also streamlined logistics with parking for 1,000 vehicles and a dedicated shuttle service provided by Safari Jeeps to ferry attendees from the parking area to the main facility.
