Ferndale Foods has invested $20 million in a state-of-the-art food manufacturing facility in Ballarat, to meet the demand for better-for-you snacks.
The new facility, named Foodline Australia, will have the capacity to manufacture 180 million better-for-you bars annually and will offer co-manufacturing capabilities to existing brands and customers while also creating its own better-for-you product lines.
Leigh Edward, CEO of Ferndale Foods Australia, said they are thrilled to embark on this journey for Australian food manufacturing.
“Through extensive research and consultation with our major customers and leading brand owners, we have 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.”
The Edward’s family has a successful track record in establishing food manufacturing facilities, with Bruce Edward founding Ferndale Confectionery in 1995, known for their ownership and production of brands such as Jila Mints and Jols Pastilles.
Varun Raheja, Buying Director at ALDI Australia, said they value partners like Ferndale immensely and offer their congratulations on another milestone for this iconic Aussie business.
“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.”
In 2017, Leigh and Bruce Edward founded The So Soft Marshmallow Co., rapidly establishing itself as a dominant force in the segment, and Leigh Edward said that similar to marshmallows, they have 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.”
To stay up to date on the latest industry headlines, sign up to the C&I e-newsletter.