Almonds can help improve heart health, lower cholesterol, reduce weight, and enhance brain function and muscle recovery. South Australia’s Almondco Australia is taking these nutritional nuts to the world.
Founded as a grower’s cooperative in 1944, Almondco Australia processes and markets almonds for more than 85 per cent of growers in Australia.
The cooperative exports to over 35 countries. In 2015–16, it sold 9,700 tonnes of almond products to Asia, Europe, the UK, the Middle East, the US and New Zealand, thanks to a growing global awareness of the health benefits of almonds. These exports made up 47 per cent of Almondco’s $260 million total revenue. The record sales helped make almonds Australia’s most valuable horticultural export for the 2015 calendar year.
To achieve the highest return possible for farmers, Almondco invests in advanced processing systems, including a pasteurisation system that eliminates microbiological risks associated with a ground-harvested product. The system has allowed Almondco to develop and market products under the AlmondcoPure brand. This point of difference allows the cooperative to command a premium price for Australian almonds.
In 2015, Almondco was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the South Australian Food Industry Program Awards for its ongoing contribution to the state’s food industry.
Judges described Almondco Australia Ltd as a strong business with positive export growth prospects and “a strong advocate of the Australian agricultural industry”. The application demonstrated that Almondco are clearly benefiting from careful selection and management of customers and their focus on quality is reaping rewards.
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources is a proud sponsor of the Regional Exporter Award category.
