ML Macadamia Orchards L.P. said it posted a loss in the first quarter as it endured higher sales costs, lower production and lower nut prices.

The Hilo-based company said it swung to a net loss of $264,000, or 4 cents per Class A Unit in the three months ended March 31.

A year earlier ML Macadamia had reported a profit of $346,000 or 5 cents a share.

The company said the average nut price paid to it was 67 cents versus 70 cents a year earlier as the cost of goods and services sold rose by 32 percent to $3.39 million.

Total revenues were $3.64 million compared with $3.37 million in the 2007 period.