18 Jul 2024 Introducing Giraf macadamia milk
Here’s an interesting newcomer to the burgeoning arena of plant-based milk alternatives….
New Giraf Macadamia, grown in White River, Mpumalanga, hopes to “redefine the milk market with a rich, creamy plant-based alternative that tastes amazing, is sustainably sourced and entirely free of added vegetable and seed oils”
“We’re excited to launch our brand-new Giraf Macadamia range locally and in the UK,” says Philip Moufarrige, MD of Giraf Macadamia and Ambermacs, a major lowveld player in macadamias.
“Made from the finest South African-grown macadamias, Giraf Macadamia Milk meets the growing demand from conscious consumers seeking tastier, healthier, sustainably sourced milk alternatives.
“Our commitment to sustainability and health is at the core of everything we do. By sourcing macadamias from our own local growers and packaging our drinks in 100% recyclable materials, we ensure our product is good for consumers and the planet.
“We believe Giraf Macadamia will redefine how South Africans view and enjoy dairy-free alternatives.” Moufarrige adds.
Why ‘Giraf’?
“The Giraf brand was designed to stand out on the shelf and be as distinct as the product inside — something you can’t help but pick up and examine to find out more,” says Moufarrige.
“The appellation pays homage to our macadamias’ authentic South African origins. This appeals to local and European consumers and is translatable to most European languages.”
Processing and percentages
Ambermacs first makes a premium nut paste that’s shipped to a sister factory in Italy. There, the milk is produced using the UHT process. The finished product is then aseptically packaged in Tetra Pak Edge cartons, which are 100% recyclable and made with 88% plant-based materials.
It has a one-year shelf life from the production date.
Giraf Macadamia includes 3% macadamia nuts, equating to 30 grams/litre. This compares well to most almond milk available in the SA market, which typically contain just 2%.
Looking ahead, the company says it’s collaborating with a South African factory to produce the milk locally. As part of this transition, it will increase the macadamia nut content to 4%, or 40 grams/litre.
“This enhancement aims to deliver an even richer and more satisfying taste experience while maintaining the perfect consistency our customers love. We found that increasing the nut content beyond this level would make the milk too thick, so 4% is the sweet spot for both flavour and texture,” it adds.
Nutritional and taste profiles
“As a known superfood, macadamias have an exceptional nutritional profile and delightfully rich, creamy flavour. They are packed with essential nutrients, magnesium, and healthy monounsaturated fats, delivering a rich, velvety texture and many health benefits,” the company asserts.
“Naturally lactose-free and gluten-free, Giraf Macadamia Milk is also low in sugar, making it a choice for those with dietary restrictions or those seeking a wholesome, nourishing alternative to dairy.
“And it’s not just about health and sustainability – it’s also about Giraf Macadamia’s incredibly versatile taste. Its creamy texture and subtle, nutty flavour enhance everything from morning coffee to your favourite recipes. Imagine whipping up a batch of deliciously fluffy pancakes, baking a moist and rich chocolate cake, or crafting a creamy, dreamy macadamia latte that rivals any coffee shop’s signature drink.”
Once regarded as a luxury item, the popularity of plant milk alternatives in South Africa continues to grow. They are becoming more equally priced to regular milk, mostly influenced by the country’s rising cost of dairy products.
The Giraf Macadamia range includes three delicious variants: Original, Oat, and Vanilla. It is competitively priced (currently at R39/litre online) at, has a one-year shelf life, and is packed in 100% recyclable packaging.
For more info: visit www.girafmacadamia.com to find a stockist, follow on Facebook and Instagram.
Footnote: In the wake of some challenging times for the macadamia sector, mainly rising input costs versus plummeting nut prices, here’s some interesting comment from the editor of TheMacadamia, the industry’s trade journal, in it’s current Summer 2024 issue:
“Could it be that the macadamia-starved domestic market could offer the answers?
“To date South Africa has exported 98% of its crop, but as the low nut prices drive demand and experts are calling on the industry to up its agri-processing game, opportunities really do exist in the domestic market.”