Ann: 2018 Crop Update, page-30

Having to do some serious Almond investigation for my day job and thought the crew might like some light reading...
Markets:
http://valenciafruits.com/new-record-in-world-almond-production/
https://www.sacbee.com/latest-news/article214459579.html

R&D:
https://www.foodnavigator-asia.com/...hree-Australian-states-in-bid-to-double-yield
High density planting is the future with the opportunity to use shake-and-catch harvesting, improve light interception and optimise input efficiency.

We need to be careful when viewing SHV in light of the above information however. They are more than an almond play, and you could argue much of their success (or failure) will come from post farm gate activities. Those of us wandering the Woolies aisles of late will notice that Lucky and their other brands have been relegated to the lower shelves in preference to a whole new range of Woolies' Select brand. It is this sort of issue that concerns me, as those sales are premium (as opposed to filling somebody else's bag).

I am still positive on SHV, I like their spread of farms, their approach to land leasing and strategic water buying. Just need to see them step up on the marketing side and not have them stomped on like another Ardmona...