INDUSTRY SERVICE AWARDS
A co-operative effort to success
ALMONDCO ' S managing director Brenton Woolston was presented with his Contribution to Industry Award on November 22 , during a staff celebration for the co-operative ’ s 80th anniversary . Mr Woolston was overseas when the Australian Almond Conference was held in October , so his award was accepted at the gala dinner by Almondco grower director Andrew Lacey . Mr Woolston started working for Almondco in June 2001 , as marketing manager . A few years later he was appointed group general manager . Almondco ’ s intake has grown significantly in the time that Mr Woolston has been working for the co-operative . In 2001 just 4,000 metric tonnes was delivered to Almondco and by 2024 this had increased to 40,000 metric tonnes . Some of Mr Woolston ’ s significant achievements include :
• The expansion of the Renmark headquarters in 2010 , which included almond receivals , dispatch and quality assurance .
• The acquisition of the Simarloo almond hulling and shelling facility at Lyrup in 2012 .
• A $ 4 million investment in pasteurisation technology in 2012 to sustain Almondco ’ s international quality advantage .
• Construction of a greenfield almond hulling and shelling facility in the Riverina in 2016-17 .
• A $ 25 million dedicated blanch value add facility at Renmark in 2019-20 .
• An $ 8 million dedicated raw material warehouse at Renmark in 2022-23 .
Under Mr Woolston ’ s guidance Almondco is now one of the most successful grower co-operatives in Australia , representing more than 80 % of Australia ’ s almond growers , who are located in four states . Grower returns , along with medium to long-term grower benefit , has always been behind any project or cause that
LEFT : Almondco managing director Brenton Woolston has been recognised with a Contribution to Industry Award for his significant contribution to the almond industry , particularly through his work with the co-operative .
Mr Woolston has championed . His desire to see the Australian almond industry build a good reputation and grow internationally led to him holding roles outside of Almondco . Mr Woolston served two stints as a director on the Almond Board of Australia from 2003 to 2010 and again from 2021 to 2023 . This included serving as chairman from 2007 to 2009 . Brenton also held the position of President of the Australian Nut Industry Council from 2006 to 2009 .
Recognition for pollination expert
Congratulations to Trevor Monson who was presented with a Contribution to Industry Award for outstanding service in supplying pollination services to the Australian almond industry since 1979 . You can read more about Trevor ’ s work on pages 6 and 7 of In A Nutshell Spring 2024 .
industry . australianalmonds . com . au
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