The Government of Western Australia is providing A$1.57m in grants to support local businesses to drive exports and tap into the growing aged-care market in Asia.
Manjimup-based Fresh Produce Alliance received A$200,000 from the state government to develop and commercialise a range of ready-to-eat health products for the aged-care market in Asia.
West Australian agriculture and food minister Alannah MacTiernan visited Fresh Produce Alliance’s processing facilities on 23 June to announce the grant, which will see the company use locally grown fruit and vegetables in the new range that would otherwise be unmarketable.
The business specialises in HPP (high pressure processing) and IQF (instant quick freeze) technology and most recently launched a range of ready-to-eat healthy foods including ‘Born Pure’ baby food and ‘Avovita’ smoothies and mousses.
'To drive long-term jobs in Western Australia, we need to create more value on-shore from the meat, fruit and vegetables that we produce for export,” MacTiernan said. 'These projects are focused on processing in WA and developing onshore supply chains to develop high-end products and create jobs for regional people.
'Asia's demand for high-quality primary produce is at a record high and these grants will help businesses to capture a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Other businesses that received grants include fruit supplier Tosum, which will use the funds to upgrade its facilities, Pardoo Beef Corporation to market Pilbara Wagyu beef to niche Asian markets and Harvey Industries Group to develop a WA-branded lamb.
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