Buderim Group to become ‘global leader in macadamia nut snacks’ after acquiring Royal Hawaiian Orchards

Royal Hawaiian Orchards manufactures several lines of confectionery and snacks, including dark chocolate macadamias in blackberry goji, blueberry acai and pomegranate mango flavors, as well as fruit-flavored macadamia crunches.

Making macadamia nuts a ‘house staple’

The deal has made Buderim the largest marketer of macadamia nuts in the continental US, as the company is now responsible for more than 65% of macadamia nut production in the country, it said. 

“This acquisition creates a platform for us to become a global leader in macadamia nut snacks,”​ said Andrew Bond, CEO at Buderim.

“Leading the US market, where there is a significant growth potential for this healthy, nutrient-rich snack, will help us lay the groundwork for making our macadamia nuts a house staple across the world,” ​he added.

Buderim noted Scott Wallace, the previous EVP of Royal Hawaiian Orchards, will lead the combined business (with MacFarms) and oversee sales, marketing and operations.

Introducing indulgent and organic items

Royal Hawaiian Orchards has heavily focused on “healthy and clean”​ ingredients, and all its products are non-GMO, Wallace told ConfectioneryNews.

The company said it will have an opportunity to introduce more indulgent items after its merger with MacFarms, which manufactures products such as caramelized sea salt- and coconut macaroon-flavored macadamias, and Kona dark chocolate and milk chocolate macadamia nuts.

“We’ll add a new line going forward with more of either chocolate or sugar candy products,”​ said Wallace.

“We’re also looking at launching organic items… our macadamias are organic, but we are not marketing our overall products [as organic] yet,” ​he added.