At our vast orchards in Australia and the USA (California), we implement the latest agronomy practices. We incorporate high levels of mechanisation to ensure we produce excellent yields of quality, flavoursome almonds with the best environmental footprint.
Around 4 million trees planted across 13 orchards in New South Wales and Victoria, Australia, grow Non Pareil, Carmel and Price almond varieties. In California, USA, we produce mainly Non Pareil and Carmel varieties, but also Sonora, Buttes and Monterrey varieties.
Sensors in our almond trees are combined with data from tree trunks, drip line flow, soil and weather predictions to track growth and identify issues quickly. The system helps anticipate and plan irrigation requirements.
Our presence in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres allows to constantly deliver new season almonds to our global customers.
We provide customised snacking and ingredient formats for natural and blanched almonds. Using state-of-the-art technology, we offer whole, sliced, diced, slivered, meal and split formats, retaining their rich flavour and nutritional value. Through our facilities across three continents, customers can enjoy a reliable supply of tailored solutions from whole nuts to ingredients.
Our USA operations are fully integrated following the acquisition of Hughson Nut Inc. in 2019. We offer steam sterilisation and pasteurisation through our processing plants in California, and are equipped to complete orders to customer specifications and ensure product safety.
Our BRC-certified processing facility near Mildura in Northern Victoria, Australia, ensures single-point control of almond quality, traceability and safety from orchard to customer.
Our blanching and ingredient processing facility in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, conforms to the world’s highest food safety and quality standards. Roasting is undertaken on variable capacity lines capable of processing different grades of almonds with consistent flavour, aroma and texture.
We are excited to be represented by our deZaan team, one of our legacy cocoa brands, at the 2023 Summer Fancy Food Show on June 25-27, 2023 at the Javits Center in NYC. deZaan offers a range of cocoa powders designed for chefs and artisans and made with the finest cocoa ingredients available. The range showcases the full spectrum of what cocoa powder can deliver with its complex range of flavor profiles, colors and technical properties. Explore the endless possibilities of cocoa.
The trend for bold colors and flavors in food and beverages is rising this year. With consumers increasingly exposed to an array of global food trends, including a wide range of exotic flavors and colors, many are becoming more experimental. At the same time, confectionery products, treats, and snacks are often a moment of fun and relaxation in consumers’ daily lives, so they can be a great opportunity for experimenting with new and exciting shades.
Sydney Valla was an undergrad at Fresno State when she first discovered ofi (olam food ingredients) at a career fair. They were passing out tomato-shaped stress balls and recruiting new grads for a management trainee program. She signed-up for an interview and the rest is her-story.
What motivates you when you wake up and come into work?
My team! There are six of us who are 100% dedicated to the Spices eCommerce business and we have a combined 35+ years’ experience at ofi. Together, we work to be a solution provider for new and existing customers, put in place processes to help the business grow and overcome any challenges that are thrown our way.
Anything you’d like to add to help others succeed?
Being in numerous different positions throughout my career (supply chain, product line, sales) has made me a more well-rounded employee and allowed me to view problems from many different angles to find better solutions. I’m glad that I joined a company that offered career growth and expansion. Being a sponge during the early stages of my career allowed me to soak up lots of different information.
What has been your favorite moment at ofi so far?
When I was a product line manager, there was a large fast-food chain that featured one of our ingredients in a delicious and highly promoted LTO. It was so cool to go through the drive thru, pick up lunch, and know that one of the products that I helped to sell was in an item that was being sold across the country.
Our company purpose is ‘be the change for good food and a healthy future.’ In what way do you live our purpose through your work?
Through the eCommerce offerings, we can connect with new customers and segments that have previously been difficult to reach. This allows us to work with new customers to make educated purchasing decisions about where their product comes from, our sustainability offerings, and more. Outside of work, I sit on the Board of Directors for the Central California Food Bank which feeds over 300,000 community members in the Central Valley.
Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity.