SA Almonds Ready To Take On The World

The establishment of an almond-processing facility in Robertson has the potential to turn South Africa into a leading exporter of these nuts. Stephan and Hans le Roux of Amanteco Almonds spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the opportunities and pitfalls associated with this crop.

- Glenneis Kriel

After more than three decades of refining production on its farm near Montagu in the Western Cape, the largest almond producer in the country is taking production to the next level.

Amanteco Almonds has partnered with various growers, such as Olyfberg Vrugte, which includes the Van Loveren Group and Prof Mohammad Karaan, as well as an international exporter, to establish an almond processing facility near Robertson in the Breede River Valley.

The facility, which will trade under the name Amandel Afrika, will be ready for operation in November. The goal is to increase almond production along the R62, all the way from Robertson to Oudtshoorn, and in the Olifants River region.

“In addition to our own 130ha, we’ve signed off take agreements with nine farmers, who have so far planted 210ha and intend expanding their production by another 250ha over the coming year,” says Stephan le Roux, farm manager of Amanteco.

“We’ve also partnered with a long-time family friend, William James Bussell of Bussell Boerdery, to establish a new almond farm in Robertson where we’ve planted 70ha to almonds. These trees will be producing their first harvest this year. The processing facility is situated on this land.”

STEADY GLOBAL GROWTH

The timing for the initiative is ideal, according to Stephan. Global almond consumption has increased from 927 000t in 2007 to 1,3 million tons in 2018, and is expected to increase by about 2,8% annually to 1,7 million tons a year within the next few years.

Growing demand has resulted in carry-over stock from California, which accounts for more than 80% of global supply, decreasing for the past three years despite production increases.

In South Africa, 3 000t of almonds have to be imported annually to supply local demand, which has been growing by about 5% over the past five years.