Olam opens its massive A$60 million almond processing plant in Australia

Total annual capacity pegged at 40,000 MT.

In a release, Olam International Ltd announced the opening of its A$60 million almond hulling and processing plant, said to be the largest facility of its kind in the southern hemisphere, in Carwarp, Victoria.

The 12,000 square metre facility is expected to de-hull and shell 14 tonnes of almonds per hour and employ approximately 19 permanent staff and 54 casual positions once in full production.

Olam Group’s MD and CEO, Sunny Verghese, Mr Verghese said Australia was a vital component of Olam’s future global growth plans.

“Olam has been present in Australia since 2007, and this move further strengthens our commitment to a country offering advantages in agriculture, climate, R&D capability, and modern supply chain infrastructure,” Mr Verghese said.

“As a global agribusiness leader, we have a strong track record of investing in our assets to ensure they reach their full potential and drive value for shareholders through responsible growth.

“The investment in Sunraysia and the new almond processing facility is in line with our strategy of integrating the product value chain across all aspects of orchard management, harvesting, processing and marketing activities, creating growth for the business, as well as local growers and communities, such as Mildura.”

Mr Dall’Alba said the local almond business has strong growth potential, particularly given its proximity to Asia.

“The plant’s total capacity will reach 40,000 MT of almond kernels each year, meeting all of our upstream orchard volumes and positioning us well to meet the rapid growth in demand for almonds in India, China, south-east Asian and Middle Eastern countries,” said Mr Dall’Alba.

The plant will utilise state-of-the-art laser sorter technology for the shelling and hulling of almonds, generating significant efficiencies and ensuring consistent product quality, traceability and food safety.

Technology has also helped to minimise the environmental footprint – the warehouse is able to operate in complete darkness and the option to use the almond hulls to create renewable energy in a co-generation plant is currently being explored.

Olam Orchards Australia Executive General Manager Edible Nuts, Damien Houlahan said Olam was committed to supporting the development and growth of the local almond industry, which represented a significant contribution to the Mildura economy.

“The location of the new plant in Carwarp has provided important employment opportunities and economic benefits for people in both the Swan Hill and Mildura Shires,” he said.