Australia's first locally grown frozen berries will roll off the production line soon according to its makers, the founders of Rebello fruit cider.
The launch of frozen berries using Australian-grown fruit is now only weeks away, according to its founders Matt and Ruth Gallace, as they put the final touches on their new Australian designed and engineered processing line in the Yarra Valley.
This will be the first business to produce locally grown berries in commercial quantities. Currently, Australian frozen berries are only available at farm-gate in small quantities.
Frozen strawberries, sourced from the family farm, will be first to roll out nationally under the Matilda’s brand, and will be available initially in independent supermarkets.
The pair announced the plan earlier this year after 24 people contracted Hepatitis A, with the source of contamination thought to be imported frozen mixed berries.
They also plan to introduce frozen raspberries and blueberries to their product line, which will be sourced from NSW producers.
The strawberries are sourced form Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm, whcih has been in the Gallace family for fifty years, and has 800 acres of land in Victoria and Queensland.
“Now we’re at the end of the Victorian season, we’re going to use fruit from our Queensland farms when it’s at its absolute peak to ensure when it hits the shelves, we know unequivocally that we’re delivering the best product we possibly can,” Ruth Gallace says.
The origin of the product will also be completely transparent – labelled on each and every bag, with no part of the product, or process, occurring offshore.
Gallace says that includes the processing line, which was Australian designed and engineered.
“We have had to start this entirely from scratch. That has meant having machinery purpose built and designed, and creating a factory from the ground up.
“The decision has meant things have taken much longer, much like an architectural house build, but we’ve chosen to take absolutely no short cuts, and we’re really proud of that. Everything about this business is Australian made.”
