- Dekel Agri-Vision (DI)
- 10 July 2025 12:54:09
Source: Sharecast
Meanwhile, the AIM-traded company’s cashew processing operation recorded a dramatic improvement in output, efficiency, and pricing, positioning the business for its first EBITDA-positive year.
CPO production at the Ayenouan operation fell 9% to 21,128 tonnes due to a softer harvest, while the extraction rate remained steady at 21.9%.
Sales volumes declined 5.3% in line with lower output, but strong local demand meant all production was sold.
Average CPO prices surged 25.1% to €963 per tonne, and PKO prices rose 57.7% to €1,266 per tonne, reflecting elevated international markets feeding through to local pricing.
Dekel’s cashew operation at Tiebissou meanwhile recorded a step-change in performance.
Raw cashew nut (RCN) processing increased 269.4% to 2,172 tonnes, resulting in a 353% rise in cashew kernel production to 521 tonnes.
Sales volumes grew 125.6%, with average prices for peeled cashews up 67.7% to €5,200 per tonne.
Efficiency gains included higher extraction rates, improved peeling, and a better whole-to-broken nut ratio.
“Operationally, we delivered a solid performance in the first half of 2025, with palm oil operational revenues up approximately 20% year-on-year, supported by elevated CPO and PKO prices,” said executive director Lincoln Moore.
“Despite a 9.0% decline in CPO production to 21,128 tonnes, robust local demand ensured all output was sold.”
“Our cashew operation has experienced a significant turnaround, with production up 353%, driven by a 269.4% increase in RCN processed and improved efficiency across the board.”
Moore said sales volumes rose 125.6%, and average prices increased by 67.7%.
The company said it had ordered new shelling and peeling equipment to expand capacity further in the second half.
Processing of third-party RCN to produce a specialised unpeeled product also contributed positively to margins.
RCN inventory stood at 2,657 tonnes at period-end, with procurement ongoing in anticipation of higher output in the second half.
Dekel reiterated that it remained on track to deliver its maiden EBITDA-positive result for the cashew segment in 2025.
At 1153 BST, shares in Dekel Agri-Vision were up 21.74% at 0.7p.
Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.