Dekel Agri-Vision Plc (LON:DKL), the West African agriculture company focused on building a portfolio of sustainable and diversified projects, has provided an April production update for its Ayenouan palm oil project in Côte d’Ivoire.
Key Highlights
· The Palm Oil Operation experienced an exceptional operational performance in April 2023, primarily driven by two factors: record-breaking April monthly volumes of Fresh Fruit Bunch (‘FFB’) and strong Crude Palm Oil (‘CPO’) prices. The combination of these factors resulted in an outstanding monthly performance.
· April 2023 FFB volumes and CPO production increased 119.1% and 108.4% respectively compared to April 2022. The increase in production was driven by:
o FFB high season commencing later than previous years;
o Lower prior year comparables due to the weak FFB 2022 high season
· The Company is continuing to see strong local Crude Palm Oil (‘CPO’) demand resulting in CPO sales quantities increasing 123% in April compared to last year. Palm Kernel Oil (‘PKO’) production was also strong increasing 93.9% compared to last year. PKO sales continue to be sold in batches to maximise prices and we expect to see strong PKO sales quantities in the coming months as stock levels on hand increase.
· CPO sales prices remain high at €976 per tonne with premium local CPO sales prices continuing to be achieved despite the international CPO prices slightly softening during the month to around US$975-1000 per tonne (from US$1,025 per tonne during March 2023).
· The CPO extraction rate was slightly lower than last month but remained sound at 21.4%. Similar to last month, the delivery of peak FFB volumes tends to lead to increased double handling of FFB at the mill site awaiting processing.
· The overall financial performance for April was a ‘standout’ monthly financial outcome.
| Apr-23 | Apr-22 | Change | |
| FFB processed (tonnes) | 28,846 | 13,168 | 119.1% |
| CPO Extraction Rate | 21.4% | 22.5% | -4.9% |
| CPO production (tonnes) | 6,179 | 2,965 | 108.4% |
| CPO Sales (tonnes) | 3,988 | 1,788 | 123.0% |
| Average CPO price per tonne | €976 | €1,061 | -8.0% |
| Palm Kernel Oil (‘PKO’) production (tonnes) | 382 | 197 | 93.9% |
| PKO Sales (tonnes) | Nil | 212 | n/a |
| Average PKO price per tonne | n/a | €1,448 | n/a |
Lincoln Moore, Dekel‘s Executive Director, said: “We are pleased to see the Palm Oil Operation’s high season come to fruition, which began later than its usual schedule this year, culminating in a record monthly production outcome for April. The production of Crude Palm Oil has demonstrated continued strength in early May, compared to May last year. These positive trends bode well for the Palm Oil Operation, positioning it to achieve an excellent period of production and financial performance throughout the second quarter of 2023.”
