Every macadamia NIS quote comes with a spec sheet, and those few numbers determine whether a container is a bargain or a problem. If you're new to the trade, this guide explains what each macadamia NIS specification means and how to verify it.
Size (screen size)
Nut size is measured by the screen the nuts pass over, in millimetres. Common grades are 18mm, 20mm and 22mm+. A grade described as ">22mm, 95%+" means at least 95% of nuts are larger than 22mm. Larger, more uniform nuts command higher prices — especially for the in-shell snack market — so size is the first lever on grade and price.
Moisture content
For in-shell export, NIS should be dried to 8–10% moisture. This is the single most important number on the sheet. Too high, and you risk mould, rancidity and weight you're paying for but can't use; dry too fast and the kernel cracks. (Kernel for direct sale is dried much further, to around 1.5%.) Always cross-check the stated moisture against the inspection certificate.
Kernel recovery (KR)
Kernel recovery is the percentage of sound kernel you get from a given weight of nut-in-shell — the number that decides your real cost per kilo of usable product. A benchmark of 30%+ indicates a well-grown, well-dried lot; high-KR select grades can be lab-tested at 32%+. If you're cracking the nuts yourself, KR matters more than headline NIS price. Ask whether the figure is estimated or tested.
Defects
Defect rate covers immature nuts, discolouration, mould, insect damage and shell defects. Premium and large grades should sit under 2–3%; cheaper commercial or mixed grades tolerate more (up to ~8%). For snack-format nuts, shell appearance is part of the defect picture too.
Putting it together
Here's how our export grades line up across these specs:
- Premium NIS: >22mm (95%+), 8–10% moisture, >30% KR, <2% defects.
- Large NIS: >20mm (95%+), 8–10%, 28–32% KR, <3% defects.
- Graded Blend: 18–22mm, 8–10%, 25–30% KR, <5% defects.
- High KR Select: >20mm, 8–10%, >32% (tested), <2% defects.
- Commercial Mixed: mixed size, ≤10%, 22–28% KR, <8% defects.
How to verify
Specs on paper are a starting point, not a guarantee. Request a representative sample, then arrange third-party inspection (SGS or Intertek) on your first container to confirm moisture, size distribution, KR and defects against the agreed spec. A grower-exporter confident in their drying and grading will support this without hesitation — see our supplier vetting checklist.
Want the full spec sheet for a specific grade? Request it here, or browse all export grades and indicative pricing.