Australia 's leading almond processor, Renmark-based Almondco will announce a record result for the 2003 crop at its annual general meeting on Friday.
The grower-owned company which was originally established in 1944 will also celebrate its 60 year milestone in the almond industry.
Almondco general manager Brenton Woolston said today that the 2003 crop was a record member intake of over 5,300 tonne and was matched by record sales of a similar level. He also stated that the strong consumer demand across Australia had seen 86% of the crop sold on the domestic market. This had assisted grower returns to improve for the fourth consecutive year.
"The average return to our growers for the 2003 crop year improved a further 14% which is a 39% increase in the last two seasons alone," he said.
Mr Woolston also said the strong performance of the company which became debt free during the year meant that all shareholders would also receive an unfranked share dividend of 6 cents per share.
More than 100 people from all the major almond growing regions are expected to attend Friday's annual general meeting and join in the 60 year anniversary celebrations.
The Minister for Regional Development and the River Murray, Member for Chaffey Karlene Maywald, and Joseph Ebbage from Consumer Insights will be keynote speakers during the celebrations.
Melbourne-based researcher Joseph Ebbage will provide a 'consumer insight' into almonds and present the findings of his research into the public's awareness of "Aussie almonds".
