Ferndale Foods Australia, a family-owned regional Victorian company, will invest $20 million in a state-of-the-art food manufacturing facility in Ballarat. The move aims to meet the growing demand for better-for-you bars and snacks in the market.
Once operational, the new facility, named FoodLine Australia, will have the capacity to manufacture 180 million bars annually. It will offer co-manufacturing capability to existing brands and customers while also creating its own better-for-you product lines.
The better-for-you industry is not only booming in Australia but also globally, with projections estimating the market for these products to reach an astonishing US$32 billion by 2025.
Ferndale Foods Australia CEO Leigh Edward said that through extensive research and consultation with Ferndale’s major customers and leading brand owners, it had identified a significant gap in the industry.
“A comprehensive, state-of-the-art manufacturing hub capable of producing a diverse range of bars, including protein, muesli, low-sugar, sugar-free, gluten-free, and high-fibre options,” said Edward.
The impact of Ferndale’s new facility extends beyond better-for-you product customers; also generating excitement among supermarkets.
ALDI Australia buying director Varun Raheja said it valued partners like Ferndale ‘immensely’.
“ALDI partners with many innovative Australian businesses to bring the highest quality products to our shelves. Ferndale’s commitment to Australian-based manufacturing speaks to ongoing investment in the industry, and its commitment to keep delivering when it comes to product innovation for our stores,” said Raheja.
This venture represents a continuation of the Edward family’s successful track record in establishing food manufacturing facilities.
Bruce Edward laid the foundation with Ferndale Confectionery in 1995, known for their ownership and production of renowned brands such as JILA MINTS and JOLS Pastilles.
Building on this success, Leigh Edward and his father founded The So Soft Marshmallow Co. in 2017, and rapidly established itself as a dominant force in the segment.
“Similar to marshmallows, we recognised the existing demand for better-for-you products. By offering a one-stop-shop with state-of-the-art technology and cutting-edge facilities, along with the highest quality products, we can optimize production, storage, and shipping processes for larger customers, providing them with unparalleled convenience and cost savings,” said Edward.
In addition to significantly boosting the local Ballarat economy in regional Victoria, FoodLine Australia plans to employ up to 30 people over the next 18 months.
