GROWER CRACKS CHINA MARKET

ALMOND grower Select Harvests will sell its Lucky brand nuts and seeds in China after striking a five-year deal with global beverage giant PepsiCo.

Select will supply Lucky nuts, seeds and mixed products to PepsiCo’s Chinese division, which will handle marketing and distribution.

General manager of Select’s consumer division, Mark Eva, said the entry into the Chinese market was “a remarkable opportunity” for the Lucky brand, which has been selling in Australia for more than 60 years.

“Entering the China market in partnership with PepsiCo is extremely exciting for Select Harvests and the Lucky brand,” Mr Eva said.

“This allows Select Harvests to participate in the increased consumption of plant-based foods, nuts and seeds in China, which is accelerating as consumers become more affluent and knowledgeable about the nutritional benefits of nuts and seeds.”

Select Harvests managing director Paul Thompson said the deal in China had longterm implications for the grower which is based in Thomastown, in Melbourne’s north.

“Beyond the initial investment, the successful launch of Lucky into China is expected to create additional value to our business in the long term,” Mr Thompson said.

Select Harvests, headed by managing director Paul Thompson, will sell its nuts and seeds in China after a deal with PepsiCo.