INDUSTRY NEWS
Murray Downs Almonds unveils new brand
AUSTRALIA ' S sixth almond processor has unveiled its brand and appointed a sales manager . Murray Downs Almonds takes on the name of the township in southern New South Wales , just across the Murray River from Swan Hill , where the processing plant is based . Construction of Australian Farming Services ' ( AFS ) processing site began on 11 April and the first stage of the project is set to be completed by April 2024 . It will boost industry hulling and shelling capacity by 17,500 tonnes . The hulling and shelling structure is complete and the machinery installation ( primarily Alvan Blanch , LMC , BM & M and Donaldson ) is progressing well . Australian Farming Services CEO David Armstrong travelled to Europe last month , meeting with equipment suppliers and potential buyers . Mr Armstrong observed a large
demand for product , however with concerns about Australian quality meeting EU requirements . The company has made a number of key appointments , including Jack Loh as its sales manager . Mr Loh previously worked in the industry and has already started talking to buyers , with a focus on China and India . AFS has 4,500 hectares of almond orchards near Balranald in New South Wales and Kenley in Victoria . Another 500 hectares is due to be planted in 2024 , with planning well advanced .
Almondco and Select Harvests has processed AFS ’ crops in past seasons , but as the orchards matured and new developments began both companies were unable to handle the volume in a timely manner . Processing capacity could be doubled to 35,000 tonnes , if there is demand from industry . AFS said it needs to see an interest from growers , with formal hulling and shelling commitments , in order to proceed with the installation of the second hulling and shelling line .
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