Marquis Macadamias began in 1983 when four growers in Lismore, New South Wales, formed the Macadamia Processing Company (MPC) to take greater control over the processing and marketing of their crop. Their co-operative vision was to create scale, improve profitability and secure a stable market for growers.
Today, Marquis Macadamias is wholly owned by more than 250 grower-shareholders across New South Wales and Queensland. It has become the largest macadamia processor in the world, operating processing plants in Bundaberg, Queensland and Lismore, NSW, with a combined capacity of 32,000 tonnes of macadamias each year. Both factories operate around the clock during the April–November harvest season.
Regional and economic impact
Marquis is a major regional employer, providing jobs in both the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales and Bundaberg in Queensland. Beyond direct employment, the co-operative supports local businesses by keeping processing and marketing activities in regional communities. As a result, the value generated through global exports flows back into farming families and local economies.
Market leadership
Marquis is recognised internationally for its role in marketing Australian macadamias. By consolidating production and building strong export relationships, the co-operative has created reliable markets for its members. Through value-adding, private label supply and branded products, Marquis enables growers to move from “price takers” to “price makers.”
In an interview recorded for the BCCM’s Co-operative Conversations series, former CEO Larry McHugh explained:
We must create new markets as we move forward, otherwise our growers will not be profitable. Our aim is always to keep our growers profitable, keep their farm value up. We’re trying to get scale, show leadership in the world market and start creating new world markets.
On the strength of the co-operative structure, McHugh notes:
“Each grower would find it hard to do what we do on an individual scale. By bringing growers together we have been able to build strong export markets, sell to retailers and manufacturers around the world, and return that value to regional Australia.”
Key facts
- grower-owned co-operative
- 250+ grower members
- 38 per cent of Australia’s macadamia crop
- Exporting to five continents
Looking forward
Marquis continues to invest in advanced food manufacturing, strategic marketing and governance renewal to ensure its members remain competitive in a global market. Its journey reflects how agricultural co-operatives can sustain regional economies, create scale and deliver long-term profitability for farming families.
