Riverland Almonds, one of Australia’s leading almond processing and marketing companies which is founded and operated by Riverland-based growers has announced that it has installed a new radio frequency pasteurizer for almonds that is set to improve quality and boost export markets.
According to the news release by Minister for Regional Development and Minister for Local Government Geoff Brock, the Loxton-based company expects an increase of the volume of almonds processed and new “value-adding opportunities”.
“The radio frequency pasteuriser enhances food safety, while the packing line will allow packaging activity to remain local rather than being outsourced interstate. This project reflects the importance of the almond industry and its value throughout the region,” the Minister said.
“The radio frequency pasteuriser enhances food safety, while the packing line will allow packaging activity to remain local rather than being outsourced interstate. This project reflects the importance of the almond industry and its value throughout the region.”
The company also established a new retail packing line and both investments were partially funded by a $608,000 grant from the State Government’s Riverland Sustainable Futures Fund, which was put up to assist with industry restructuring and to promote sustainable economic and societal growth in the Riverland.
“The pasteuriser uses radio frequency wave technology to produce heat within the product, to reduce micro-organism levels without affecting the characteristics of the almond. This simple process allows the almonds to be pasteurised without the use of steam, drying and refrigerated cooling systems. We hope to be able to offer this service to other products as a value-add to the region,” said Grant Birrell from Riverland Almonds.
The Fund was announced back in 2010 “to facilitate the region’s recovery from the prolonged drought, unprecedented low water allocations and low commodity prices by encouraging further investment in existing businesses, and assisting the region diversify its economic base.”
“We have also been able to expand into direct retail, with Riverland Almonds now supplying pasteurised almonds to the wholesale markets as well as being contracted by a major supermarket chain to provide pasteurised almonds packed through our packing facility.”
