<p>Riverland-based almond co-operative Almondco Australia was chosen again as the Australian Regional Exporter of the Year. This was the co-operatives second time in five years to win the award.The co-operative of 140 growers from SA, VIC and NSW was one of twelve national winners at the 54th Australian Export Awards held in Brisbane recently.Judges described Almondco as a strong business with positive export growth prospects and “a strong advocate of the Australian agricultural industry”.</p> <p>Almondco processes and markets the crops of 85 per cent of all almond growers in Australia.“To be recognised as one of the best operators in the country underlines the quality of people involved throughout our value chain,” Almandco managing director Brenton Woolston said.“More than one million tonnes of almonds are produced across the world every year, so to maintain a point of difference as a co-operative is very important.</p> <p>“Our mission is to maximise value for all stakeholders, from our smallest grower member through to the largest retail chain, and we have always recognised that we must compete on something more than price."</p>