Caala:The industrial processing of avocados into oil has officially commenced this month at the Caala Industrial Park, located in Huambo province. This initiative, backed by a Spanish investment exceeding two million euros, is aimed at enhancing the value of national agricultural production in Angola.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Omar Hernandez, the general director of the avocado oil factory, stated that the facility is equipped with two production lines, each capable of processing 150 tons of fruit daily. The factory has the potential to produce up to 540 tons of oil monthly during peak raw material availability.
The project, financed entirely by Spanish capital, involved the remodeling and adaptation of facilities, importation and assembly of machinery, and acquisition of resources necessary for the factory’s operation. Currently, the factory produces crude avocado oil, which is slated for refinement in Europe initially, with plans to eventually establish refining capabilities in Angola. This will enable the marketing of the product across African, European, and American markets.
The amount of avocados processed represents six percent of the region's production, a figure the company aims to increase. To secure a steady supply of raw materials, the company plans to invest 1.2 million pounds monthly in purchasing avocados, benefiting rural families' incomes and expanding economic opportunities for local communities.
To ensure supply, agreements have been made with plantation and farm owners in several provinces and include direct purchases from small producers. Deliveries must exceed 100 kilograms, with no maximum limit, provided the fruit is ripe and suitable for oil extraction.
The factory has generated 70 direct jobs, with expectations to surpass 200 during peak production. The expansion could also benefit suppliers and stakeholders through increased avocado demand and related services. Challenges include educating producers on harvesting ripe avocados and transportation difficulties due to poor road conditions.
In terms of social responsibility, the company intends to establish training centers in production areas to improve agricultural techniques and promote rural community development. Óleo Abacate - Comércio e Indústria, Lda., the Spanish-owned company, is dedicated to collaborating with the local agricultural sector to enhance national production.
Source Angola Press News Agency
