History

1979
  • Our managing director Kim Wilson begins his career as a farm hand at one of Australia’s leading macadamia enterprises ‘Gray Plantations’ in northern New South Wales.
  • Over the next decade he is the driving force behind the company’s expansion to almost 400 hectares of orchards in northern New South Wales and Mackay Queensland, including several large nurseries (holding more than 150,000 macadamia trees) that supply the world industry.
1992
  • Kim is promoted to General Manager at Gray Plantations.
  • He also takes his place on the Australian Macadamia Society Research and Development Committee. He serves on the Committee until 2011.
1996
  • Recognised as an industry leader and innovator, and highly respected by his industry peers, Kim is elected to the Board of Australia’s peak macadamia industry body, the Australian Macadamia Society’s Board. He serves on the Board for 16 years.
1998
  • Kim manages the first large scale shipment of macadamia trees to Western Australia and plays a key role in the launch of the industry in that state. He continues to supply trees and provide expert horticultural advice to WA growers to this day.
1999
  • Kim becomes Chairman of the Australian Macadamia Society Research and Development Committee, where he guides Australia’s multi-million dollar, cutting-edge research and development program. This highly successful research program places Australia at the forefront of the global macadamia industry.
2001
  • Kim begins what will be a long term consultancy to oversee the establishment of Australia’s first commercial super high density (200 hectare) macadamia plantation in Queensland. He is the driving force in this major project.
2002
  • Kim is part of a three-person team selected by the Australian Macadamia Society to undertake a detailed study of the Californian tree nut industry. The report is presented to the Australian macadamia industry.
  • He also embarks on a Horticulture Australia-funded study tour of the South African macadamia industry and his subsequent published report - ‘Canopy Management and High Density Plantings in South Africa’ – receives international exposure.
  • Kim’s passion and commitment to the global macadamia industry is acknowledged when he receives the Australian Macadamia Society Norman R. Greber Award – the most prestigious award in the Australian macadamia industry. This trophy is awarded to one industry member each year for their outstanding contribution to the industry over the previous 12 months.
2003
  • Kim is invited to speak at the 3rd International Macadamia Symposium in Tweed Heads, Australia, where he presents ‘The Macadamia Industry 2020’.
2004
  • Kim begins his foray into international consulting, and over the next 10 years he will become well known throughout the world for his outstanding contributions in assisting developing countries to build their own macadamia
  • He is contracted by the Burmese government to conduct a feasibility study on the potential of macadamias as a new commercial crop, and goes on to play a pivotal role in the establishment of the industry and its development and expansion. He manages several macadamia projects in Myanmar over the next decade.
2006
  • Kim plays a key role in the 5-year Australian/Vietnamese government-funded project that lays the groundwork for the establishment of the industry in Vietnam. Over the next decade he provides regular consultation on projects in the emerging Central Highlands growing region.
  • Kim is invited to speak at the 4th International Macadamia Symposium in Brazil where he presents ‘Macadamia Farming in Australia’.
  • He is elected to Vice Chair of the Australian Macadamia Society.
2009
  • Kim is elected to Chair of the Australian Macadamia Society and is renowned for his industry leadership, commitment to innovation and research.
2011
  • Kim receives Life Membership of the Australian Macadamia Society for his exceptional contribution to the Australian macadamia industry over the last three decades.
2012
  • Kim is invited to speak at the 6th International Macadamia Symposium in Brisbane Australia where he presents ‘Nursery Production, The Key to a Successful Industry’.
2013
  • Kim embarks on an extensive tour of two of China’s major macadamia growing regions – the Guangxi and Yunnan provinces. He gains an in-depth understanding of the key factors driving the burgeoning growth of the Chinese macadamia industry, and presents a final report at the 2014 Australian Macadamia Industry Conference.
2015
  • Kim launches Eureka Macadamia Management and Macadamia Consulting International.