Almondco is not the biggest almond processor in the world therefore we strive to be the best.
We set out to be the pre-eminent producer of quality almonds, fresh from the orchard and free of foreign material. That's what we have now achieved at our processing plant at Renmark , South Australia . Our quality specifications are tighter than most others and we have a dedicated, committed and trained workforce.
Almondco achieved ISO9002 accreditation from Lloyd's Quality Registrar in 1995. This international accreditation firmly established a quality culture at Almondco.
In 2002, Almondco upgraded its quality accreditation to ISO9001:2000 with SGS International Certification Services Pty Ltd. This ISO certification of the quality management system provides an independent verification for the customers that an effective continuous improvement process is in place.
Certification is an ongoing process that encourages improvement and supports the achievement of goals and objectives.
HACCP
In 2002, Almondco successfully implemented a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) management system. The HACCP Certification combines the Codex Alimentarius principles for HACCP; good manufacturing practice, relevant standards and key management systems to ensure the food safety system is in line with international practices.
It also provides a means of ensuring that the system is working to its full potential and gives independent assurance to the customer and consumer that the food safety system is sound. Almondco continually updates its quality and hygiene manuals, and its in-house quality assurance program is subject to regular self-assessment, customer audit and third party audit. Almondco takes pride in consistently achieving high rankings in the supplier quality and service audits.
The quality and cleanliness of our almonds means everything to us. Almondco uses a "Tegra" high speed colour sorting machine in tandem with a high speed "Best" laser sorting machine to ensure the removal of the maximum amount of foreign material possible. Quality begins with our raw materials. A wealth of farming experience, continuous research, plus good, clean and ancient soils, enables Australia to grow the world's best almonds.
Most of Australia 's almonds are grown alongside vineyards and, like a good vintage wine, quality almond production does not depend on top quality raw materials alone. Almonds must be processed carefully and this is where Almondco excels.
Our own Almondco Quality Standards programme
Consistent with standards set within Almondco's processing facility, the company has introduced its own orchard management protocols to assist grower members maximise their crop potential.
Growers are encouraged to enrol in the Almondco Quality System programme and are subject to annual audits to ensure they are abiding by the standards set down by the company. All growers audited during the past 12 months have been approved for accreditation with follow up audits scheduled for later this year.
Almondco has worked tirelessly over the years to establish an international reputation for quality and the AQS programme is one of many safeguards in place to protect that hard won image.
Consistent with standards set within Almondco's processing facility, the company has introduced its own orchard management protocols to assist grower members maximise their crop potential. 