Regional Macadamia Grower Cluster
Torere Macadamias Limited started a local Macadamia Grower Cluster at Torere in 2008 for four macadamia growers within the region growing 5,000 macadamia trees between them. 1000 macadamia trees are currently producing with the balance of 4,000 macadamia trees producing from 2012 onwards. The Macadamia Grower Cluster currently shares the expertise of an Organic fertiliser supplier and they will also share the macadamia harvesting, dehusking, drying and storage facilities provided by Torere Macadamias Limited. Torere Macadamias hold 3 ton of NIS on site - 2ton in drying bins and 1 ton in the drying room before despatch to the macadamia Processor.  Torere Macadamias Limited harvested 6ton Nut in Shell in 2010 and this tonnage is projected to reach 25ton in 10 years.

Torere Macadamias Limited currently utilise the two largest macadamia processing factories to process and purchase their nut in shell. The processed kernel is sorted into style sizes and vaucmn sealed in 5 and 7kg bags and returned to Gisborne for Vanessa to disperse to suppliers for value-adding. Vanessa is developing products with chosen suppliers and arranges packaging, sales and marketing both locally and nationally.  Apart from the chocolate coating, fudge and chocolate bars, all value-add products are now being produced in Gisborne. The product range is growing with macadamia oil, macadamia ice-cream, hand cream and moisturiser being the next products being trialled for implementation in 2011 and 2012.

The Torere Regional Macadamia Grower Cluster group is willing to extend their macadamia membership to include other macadamia growers in the area who are growing good quality, spray-free macadamia nuts. 

         Macadamia Dehusker ready for action.                            1ton drying bin, reduces NIS moisture 10% in 7 days.            Macadamia harvester - great for small orchards