INDUSTRY NEWS
Processing underway at Murray Downs Almonds
Australian Farming Services built the new Murray Downs Almonds processing plant , which is the sixth of its kind in Australia .
BINS of almonds have started being tipped at Australia ’ s newest processing plant . Murray Downs Almonds is in southern New South Wales , just across the Murray River from Swan Hill , and has been constructed by Australian Farming Services ( AFS ). It ’ s the sixth almond processing plant in Australia . “ The team has done really well , considering we only broke ground on April 11 in 2023 , so I ’ m quite proud of what we ’ ve achieved ,” AFS chief executive officer David Armstrong said . The precleaner was commissioned on April 26 , with the huller and sheller in operation on May 7 . “ The most stressful aspect of building the processing plant was dealing with the red tape and external approval requirements ,” Mr Armstrong said . The company is focusing on processing in shell and that bagging line is operational . The kernel bagging line is expected to be ready in early June . The warehouse refrigeration is still under construction but should be finished by late June . “ The commissioning phase is going well , there ’ s lots to learn but we ’ re very happy with progress to date ,” Mr Armstrong said . Murray Downs Almonds is focusing on India and China markets this season . The company dispatched its first container to India on June 3 . Mr Armstrong said the aim was to keep it simple . “ We ’ ve got a new brand , a new team and need to establish relationships ,” he said . The company ’ s sales manager , Jack Loh , attended the China Nut Expo in April , where the ABA marketing team coordinated a stall under the Australian Almonds brand . Murray Downs Almonds has obtained its export accreditation . To export to China the company also needs a GACC number and this paperwork has been lodged . Mr Armstrong said AFS had a good harvest . The company originally planned to process 8,000 tonnes of pollinator varieties through Murray Downs this year , but this has increased to 10,000 tonnes due to the excellent yields achieved . Two processing shifts are expected to be running in June . Management roles have been created for processing , packing , warehouse / distribution , quality and maintenance . A strong team of 11 permanent staff have been employed . Labour hire is being used for the hulling and shelling season , which is expected to run for 16 weeks this season . The intention is to not exceed 20 weeks in a normal season . The majority of this year ’ s Nonpariel has been sent to Select Harvest and Almondco .
industry . australianalmonds . com . au
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