The Victorian state government is supporting local food producer, Purearth Foods, to make new products, boost sales in international markets and respond to supply chain risks.
Purearth Foods, based in Truganina, was awarded $485,000 through the $15 million Food to Market program. The funding will help the company purchase and install new processing equipment to increase efficiency and reduce allergen risk between dairy and plant-based products.
“This funding supports our ambitions to create new products, expand in untapped export markets and build overall supply chain resilience – benefiting our local community and suppliers,” Purearth Foods chair Lachlan Armstrong said.
The specialised equipment will also enable the development of new products while also increasing production volume of existing lines.
By increasing production capability, Purearth Foods will take its milk and plant-based products to new domestic and international markets.
“By supporting local producers like Purearth Foods to reach their full potential we’re helping break barriers for expansion to domestic and international markets,” minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas said.
“By helping companies to diversify their export markets we are backing them to grow, making them more resilient, reducing supply chain risks and supporting new jobs.”
The facility expansion will also allow for additional manufacturing capacity to support local independent brand owners.
Once complete, the $4 million upgrade will create an additional 15 full-time manufacturing jobs as well as support local supply chain partners and farmers in the long term.
“Supporting local businesses such as Purearth Foods here in Truganina is a win for everyone — creating local jobs while supporting local suppliers and transport workers in the area,” member for Tarneit Sarah Connolly said.
The $15 million Food to Market program is funded through the state government’s Agriculture Strategy.
Fifteen Victorian agri-food businesses in total have been awarded funding under the second tranche of the program for projects delivering on the strategy’s vision for a Victorian agriculture sector that is strong, innovative, and sustainable.
To learn more about the 10-year Agriculture Strategy, click here.