INDUSTRY NEWS
ABOVE: For the second year, Costa Brothers Hullers and Shellers have hired a group of Samoan workers on the PALM scheme to process almonds.
LEFT: The general manager of Costa Brothers Hullers and Shellers, Claire Durant, with one of the new telehandlers.
“ While they are here, they work hard, love their money because it’ s so much more than they could make at home and it enables them to provide for their families,” she said. Last season the Samoan workers commuted to Swan Reach from Blanchetown, which is a 20-minute drive each way. Costa Brothers Hullers and Shellers is now building accommodation on their property at Swan Reach and this should be ready by April.“ The village will initially accommodate 15 people in individual rooms but it also includes a shared common area with a lounge and kitchen, along with bathroom and laundry facilities,” she said. The company kicked off its processing by hulling and shelling organic almonds in February, before moving to Non Pareil, Independence and Carina, followed by the remaining varieties. They aim to have finished the season by mid August, weather dependant. Last year the majority of the hull and shell was purchased by feedlots, with most trucked to Queensland, but a small volume also stayed in South Australia.“ It was very different to 2023 when there was no demand for hull and shell, as seasonal conditions were good,” Claire said. Feedlot demand is expected to be strong again this year. The Costas have been growing and processing almonds for more than 50 years. The original five acre orchard was at the back of the family’ s vineyard in Angle Vale and Don Costa’ s brother John also had a 20-acre block next door. In 1977 Don established a commercial almond processing facility in Angle Vale which operated until 2016. The family acquired an established orchard in Swan Reach SA in 2007. Don remains as a board member after his retirement in 2016. In 2012-2014 Don’ s sons Michael, Tony and Phillip began planning and construction of a new 5500 square metre hulling and shelling facility at Swan Reach. In 2017 the plant was operational, and all processing was relocated to Swan Reach. In 2024 Costa Brothers constructed a 3000 square metre facility to be used for a new Activated Carbon Project, scheduled for 2026 installation.
industry. australianalmonds. com. au
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