Perfect for multi family or group, the Achacha is a unique project with certified organic/biodynamic plantation ripe and ready

Horticulture - Giru Queensland

Perfect multi family or group ecopreneurship, the Achacha fruit venture is a unique project with certified organic/biodynamic plantation ripe for Australian economic development in 2021 and beyond

This is a fully established business with growing methods, sales, supply chains and systems already in place, with surplus water supplies. With growing demand for its products, it is ready to be taken to a new level.

The Achacha is an exciting fruit new to the international market where it is rapidly becoming known. Its flavour is described by taste experts as “sweet, tangy, refreshing – like a sorbet”. It is ready to expand into a wide range of downstream products – drinks, sorbets, ice-creams, dressings and so on. Achacha Blossom Honey from the flowers is in strong demand.

Palm Creek Plantation was the first and remains the largest commercial operation of Achacha trees in the world. Plant Breeder’s Rights give ownership of the fruit variety in Australia until 2036.

On the Bruce Highway, midway between Townsville and Ayr, North Queensland, Australia. Palm Creek Plantation is part of and at the northern edge of the Burdekin Irrigation Scheme. It has a water allocation of 535ML, but uses only a small part of this and sells the remainder on the open market.

First plantings took place in 2003. In 2012 the founders decided to adopt organic/biodynamic growing methods and moved to the plantation to implement the change. They became so enthusiastic about the benefits involved that they stayed on. Today the business is seen as being a prime example of regenerative agriculture in the horticultural sector.

The plantation is over three titles with 123 hectares (304 acres) all of which are irrigated. There are approximately 16,000 mature Achacha trees, each tree having its own micro sprinkler, with 3,000 African mahogany trees, 60 mango trees, plus coconuts, dragonfruit, jackfruit, lemons, lychees, papaya, passionfruit, soursop and star apples.

The property has two fully equipped dwellings in good condition. The main house has four large bedrooms, one with en suite, bathroom, separate toilet, large open plan living area adjoining a dining area with external access, large kitchen which is council certified for food preparation, laundry, TV/meeting room capable of seating up to 35 people, and an office, with attached breezeway and a laboratory and bathroom. Total covered area of the structure is 367m².

The cottage is elevated with three bedrooms, bathroom, separate toilet, kitchen/living, an open deck at the front and a closed-in deck facing the Achacha trees.

The packing shed has a covered area of 744m². Used for packing, storage of mobile equipment, lunch, a fully insulated cool room capable of holding 24 pallets with industrial refrigeration equipment, a tool room. Part of the shed area is dedicated to the preparation of organic and biodynamic products for fertigating or spraying on the trees.

A 720m² shade cloth nursery is located between the two dwellings.

A 55.44kw Solar electricity system integrated with mains power has been installed.

The Achacha gained third place in the prestigious Fruit Logistica Berlin’s Innovation Award 2012, and was a finalist in Marketer of the Year 2012, ABC delicious award 2014 and 2015, and the Gault-Millau Producer of the Year 2017.

The Australian market for the Achacha has been established with agents supplying major fresh food chains through to suburban greengrocers in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, with exports to the UK, Europe, Middle East, Asia and North America. Marks & Spencer in the UK has showcased the fruit over the last six seasons. Given its flavour, attractive orange colour and availability early in the year, it is often referred to as the “Chinese New Year fruit”.

To survive, we need to adapt to climate change and how we will deal with viruses threatening us like Covid-19. The imaginative, the entrepreneurial, the committed, will continue to pursue opportunities like Achacha with its healthy, nutritious properties.

Located 45km south of Townsville, North Queensland with a frontage to the Bruce Highway, the plantation is just 40 minutes’ drive from Townsville International Airport, Townsville Port, excellent schools, leading Australian universities, high quality medical facilities and research and cultural institutions.

Request our mini prospectus.