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Citrus processing expansion

25 October 2010

The State Government has welcomed news that a Riverland fruit processor will soon begin supplying 750 Coles stores across Australia.

Premium juice manufacturer Charlie's Group Australia produces its "not from concentrate" juices and smoothies from a Renmark facility established in 2008.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Regional Development, Michael O'Brien, says the new supply agreement was a significant boost for the Riverland.

Coles is stocking 11 of Charlie's products nationally, with the deal having the potential to double the size of Charlie's Group Australia.

Spearheading the range is Charlie's Old Fashioned lemonade, in a deal which will require Charlies to squeeze an extra four million lemons.

"Earlier this year the State Government provided a grant of almost $120,000 to help the company increase production capacity," Mr O'Brien says.

"This involved the installation of a 750 kVA transformer, underground cables and main distribution board. The total cost of the power upgrade was more than $235,000.

"Charlie's has invested more than $2 million in its Renmark processing facility.

"This is a terrific vote of confidence in the Riverland and South Australia as a place to do business.

"Extra jobs will be created and new opportunities will emerge for South Australian citrus producers to grow lemons and supply a high-value market."