Demand for Organics Drives Expansion

The Hall family enjoying the spacious new premises of their Almar Organics business. Photo: TruPics

There’s clearly a passion for food when owners of Almar Organics decide to throw a paella party this Friday 13th April to celebrate the opening of their new premises in South Albury.

Husband and wife team Clint and Katie Hall knew they had a great business, but their previous location, literally tucked away at the eastern end of Union Road, meant awareness was low.

“When Clint moved back from Western Australia he hadn’t settled into anything so I suggested we start looking for a business,” Katie said.

“About 18 months ago we bought the business advertised on Gumtree of all places.  We knew it had great potential which has been confirmed by our move to Nurigong Street,” Katie said.

Katie Hall stocks up a basket of organic goodies for a customer.

An Albury local, Katie has always had an interest in organic food which she explored when she worked at Olive Health Foods while studying podiatry at Charles Sturt University.

“I ran the café where we offered gluten free and dairy free dishes, and then took that interest further doing a lot of research and found there was a lot of potential for growth in the region to encourage and educate people to eat healthily and learn about what is actually being used to grow their fruit and veggies,” Katie said.

In the barn like new premises the couple also offer wholefoods, dry goods, dairy, meats, skin care, cleaning products and other products as well as having a naturopath consulting on a regular basis.

“People can come in and do their weekly shop and we encourage people to bring in their own containers to reduce packaging. We’re also really happy for people to visit and have a chat about anything food, wellness and wellbeing,” Katie said.

The couple aim to value add for their customers offering workshops every four to six weeks including reducing food wastage and putting together kids’ school lunch boxes.

“Fermenting is something people can do to use all of the leaves they have, fruit rinds and even using that wrinkly old beetroot in the crisper.”

Katie and Clint will celebrate the opening of the new premises with a paella party this Friday, 13 April from 6 – 8.30pm. BYO picnic rug and chairs.

For more information: Almar Organics, 539 Nurigong Street, South Albury https://www.facebook.com/almarorganics/