Built with Purpose.
Guided by Responsibility.
Sustainability at Golden Macadamias is about making considered choices that protect what matters today while strengthening the business for generations to come. From responsible farming and efficient processing to long-term investment in people and infrastructure, we focus on practices that deliver real, measurable impact across our value chain.
This approach ensures we remain resilient, trusted and accountable — to our growers, our customers and the environments in which we operate.
Cleaner Operations. Smarter
Systems. A Greener Future.
From the orchard floor to the final packed kernel, we believe in growing with intention and care. Our growers, shareholders, and leadership are united by a long-term vision: to deliver premium macadamias while building a future that's economically viable, environmentally sound, and socially responsible.
Responsible Processing in Practice
Solar Energy Integration
Our on-site solar power plant plays a key role in reducing reliance on the national electricity grid and lowering our overall carbon footprint. By integrating renewable energy directly into our processing operations, we are strengthening energy resilience while operating more responsibly.
Resource Conservation and Water Stewardship
Water is responsibly sourced from the Crocodile River via an on-site treatment facility, ensuring clean, safe water for operational use. All wastewater and effluent are treated in compliance with environmental regulations before being safely returned to the river.
Waste Management
We actively separate, reduce, and recycle waste across our facility, including husk repurposing and packaging waste reduction. Waste audits guide improvements and ensure compliance with global ESG best practices.
OCR System
(Optical Colour Rejection)
Reduces waste by improving accuracy in defect removal, ensuring more kernels are recovered and fewer are discarded unnecessarily.
Tracking our sustainability
Our facilities are monitored and our staff have full live screen dashboards of every metric imaginable.
Recycled Waste
Percentage of total waste recycled
30%
Water Usage
Percentage of licensed water allocation used
50%
Renewable Energy (Solar)
Percentage of total energy from renewable sources
20%
Responsible Farming.
Sustainable Yields.
A Better Tomorrow.
Our growers are deeply committed to cultivating macadamias using sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices. With decades of farming experience, they lead with innovation and care for the land they work on.
Key Sustainable Farming Practices:
Soil Health & Ground Cover
Growers use ground cover crops to reduce weed pressure, improve water retention, and increase organic matter in the soil.
Smart Irrigation Systems
Precision irrigation, including microjets and drip systems, ensures that water use is efficient and tailored to tree needs—minimising waste.
Fertigation & Nutrient Efficiency
Fertilisers are applied via smart fertigation systems, based on regular soil and leaf analysis, reducing excess application and runoff.
Pest & Disease Management
All growers adhere to Golden GAP or Global GAP standards. Pest control products are carefully selected and applied only when necessary, with regular residue testing to ensure international compliance
Data-Driven Decision Making
Frequent field scouting and crop assessments help farmers make informed, sustainable decisions throughout the season.
Our People
Our ESG Commitment.
At Golden Macadamias, sustainability is more than a priority, it’s part of our DNA. As a 100% grower-owned business, we understand the vital connection between people, the land, and long-term success. That’s why Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles are embedded in every aspect of how we operate, from our farms and factory to our partnerships and policies.
ESG is not just an initiative, it’s how we grow. Together with our growers, partners, and global customers, we’re creating a value chain that prioritises sustainability, equity, and integrity at every level.
Our Purpose
We believe that ESG is not a separate strategy, but the foundation of sustainable growth and shared value for our growers, customers, employees, and the planet.
Stay Connected
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Promoting sustainable farming practices that protect natural resources and support regenerative agriculture
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Supporting community well-being by investing in people and creating economic opportunity
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Upholding corporate responsibility, transparency, and accountability across all operations
Michael Benjamin
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
At Golden Macadamias, sustainability is more than a goal. As a 100% grower-owned business, we understand the deep connection between OUR people, the land, and OUR shared future. OUR commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles reflects this understanding and underpins every aspect of OUR operations.
This report highlights OUR progress and initiatives in creating long-term value for OUR stakeholders while protecting the planet, supporting OUR communities, and upholding the highest standards of ethics and governance. From responsible sourcing and water stewardship to employee development and ethical business practices, we are proud of the strides we have made and we recognize there is always more to do.
As we move forward, we remain committed to continuous improvement, transparency, and collaboration. Together with OUR growers, partners, employees, and customers, we are building a more resilient and responsible future one rooted in integrity, sustainability, and shared success
Fostering an Inclusive Workplace
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are valued.
224
We employee proudly 224 male employees.
307
We proudly employee 307 female employees.
473
We proudly employ 473 Black African employees.
58
We proudly employee 58 Caucasian employees.
Gender Distribution
Race Demographics
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The direct employment of more than 500 employees across processing, sales, marketing, and support
functions
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Indirect support of growers and approximately 3,000 families
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Indirect support of contractors
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Indirect support of suppliers of consumables and processing materials
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Backing of wildlife and biodiversity projects in surrounding ecosystems.
Safety is our top priority. Period.
At Golden Macadamias, safety is our top priority. We have implemented a health and safety management
system focused on regulatory compliance, proactive enforcement, and continuous awareness training
for all employees.
Employee safety is integral to our operational culture and is the first item discussed in all daily
meetings. Our objective is to maintain a safe and compliant working environment where the risk of
injury or harm is minimised. We are fully committed to achieving zero harm by fostering a
safety-first mindset across all levels of the organisation.
Training & Personal Development
Recognising that OUR people are OUR greatest asset, Golden Macadamias places strong emphasis on continuous training and development, particularly as we adopt advanced technologies critical to OUR long-term success.
Employees are supported through learnership and skills development programmes, with a focus on empowering unskilled youth. These programmes provide accredited training in food manufacturing processes and essential management skills, strengthening both professional growth and employability.
Through our partnership with RecruitAgri, Golden Macadamias Processing hosts postgraduate students annually, offering hands-on experience within OUR processing facility. Accommodation and monthly remuneration are provided to support their practical learning journey and skills development.
Protecting Resources.
Preserving Future Harvests.
We actively reduce our environmental footprint through innovation and continuous improvement at every stage of our value chain.
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Use of solar energy and energy-efficient systems in our factory
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Advanced water treatment, returning cleaner water to the Crocodile River
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Smart irrigation and fertigation systems on farms to minimise water usage
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Sustainable pest management aligned with Global GAP and Golden GAP standards
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Responsible waste management and recycling practices at processing level
Empowering People. Strengthening Rural Economies.
Our roots run deep in farming communities across Southern Africa. As a result, our impact goes beyond macadamias.
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Job creation across farms and factory, especially during peak season.
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Support for multi-generational farming families and smallholder growers.
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Investment in local sports, youth programmes, and education initiatives.
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Backing of wildlife and biodiversity projects in surrounding ecosystems.
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Skills development, training, and compliance workshops for workers and growers.
Guided by Integrity.
Built for the Long-Term.
We maintain strong corporate governance to ensure that all decisions made are ethical, transparent, and benefit all shareholders fairly.
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Independent directors to uphold impartiality and governance best practices
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Robust internal reporting and shareholder oversight
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Transparent communication through shareholder meetings and digital platforms
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Annual ESG reporting and audits to measure performance and compliance
The Golden Standard
of Sustainability
From the orchard floor to the final packed kernel, we believe in growing with intention and care. Our growers, shareholders, and leadership are united by a long-term vision: to deliver premium macadamias while building a future that's economically viable, environmentally sound, and socially responsible.
