New technology to boost Ariston macadamia earnings
Ariston Holdings Ltd, a diversified agricultural concern listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE), anticipates a significant increase in earnings from macadamia nut production following the recent acquisition of an advanced X-ray machine.
The new equipment will improve the company’s quality assessment processes by enabling precise evaluations of nut quality and identification of defects that may not be apparent through surface inspection.
It aids in the sorting and grading of macadamia nuts based on their internal quality, thereby significantly reducing the dependency on manual sorting methods and improving operational efficiency.
By employing the technology, the company can now scan nut-in-shell, allowing them to ascertain the quality of the produce before export.
Enhanced grading mechanisms will also ensure higher quality assurance and effective pricing for the export of macadamia nuts.
Another key benefit is its ability to detect foreign objects or contaminants within the nuts, which not only protects product quality but also ensures a safer final offering for consumers.
The X-ray machine is used for differentiating macadamia nuts in their shells into various kernel sizes. This approach facilitates more informed pricing decisions, especially by enabling Ariston to guarantee the quality of its macadamia nuts in the marketplace.
“The group purchased and installed a new X-ray machine. It enables one to definitively differentiate macadamia nuts in shell into its different kernel sizes thereby enhancing selling price determination and enabling the company to guarantee its product quality on sale,” said Ariston company secretary Anesu Museta.
The incorporation of X-ray technology into Ariston’s production process reinforces their commitment to stringent quality control measures, and this advancement is likely to bolster the macadamia production, highlighting their dedication to maintaining high standards in food safety and quality assurance.
Ariston reported a 93 percent increase in macadamia nut sales volumes, reaching 1 171 tonnes in the third quarter ending in June 2024, an increase from the 606 tonnes recorded during the same period the previous year.
Growth in macadamia nut sales, coupled with strong prices, contributed to a modest 0,5 percent revenue growth for Ariston compared to the same quarter in 2023.
Ariston has indicated that these developments reflect an improving demand for macadamia nuts, particularly in light of the global volume decline experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic.
-herald
