Food & Fibre Gippsland is sustainably growing the region’s agrifood sector, fostering a collaborative industry culture to advance R&D, strengthen value chains and minimise export costs. FIAL’s National Cluster Program has provided support and opened new opportunities.

In 2017, Gekko Systems saw an opportunity to expand its footprint and overcome the elevated energy costs and high volumes of organic waste associated with food production. A biodigestion solution was created which could transform food waste to produce energy.

Richard Tupper of Grow Food Solutions assisted in the development of better ways to make low-GI foods and a new methodology to test the glycaemic index of foods.

Harry Hoo has modified traditional dim sim recipes in a bid to secure a ‘green’ rating as a healthy food choice, an increasingly important benchmark for producers looking to supply schools, catering companies and other corporate buyers in Australian and export markets.

The Kagome team has a keen interest in reducing the amount of crop loss through agricultural and processing waste. In recognition of that aim, Kagome Australia developed Ninjin Fibre, an all-natural product derived from carrot processing.

Founded by Karen Lavecky, Land of Plenty Food Group is a manufacturer of premium foods and award-winning brands including the Our Family Table range of oven ready gluten free crumbed seafood.

Mainstream Aquaculture is Garnering industry-wide buy-in to a chemical testing regime that identifies the provenance of Australian-farmed barramundi to benefit the entire supply chain, build valuable brand equity and foster growth.

Mayfield Global has created a carbonated green tea-based drink available in five flavours with no added sugar, artificial colours or flavours.

MediKane developed NutriKane D to improve bowel health, reduce blood sugar levels and improve the immune system. NutriKane D contains the full spectrum of dietary fibres, resistant starch and a wide range of essential micronutrients.

Microtec Engineering Group has created a technology that converts native starch — such as cassava, potato, corn or wheat — into a resistant starch (a rich source of dietary fibre). It allows formulators to deliver confirmed health benefits to consumers.

Anni Brownjohn started making sauces in her home kitchen two decades ago that were naturally free from allergens, artificial flavours and colours. It soon became her passion to create tasty, healthy foods and cater for gluten- and dairy-free food options.

Lizzie and Gianluigi Buscaino own Piccolo Farm, supplying edible flowers, bush foods and niche herbs to restaurants and boutique cake makers throughout Sydney and the Southern Highlands.

Plenty Foods is Australia’s leading specialist manufacturer of high- quality cold pressed oils. Producing a diverse range using state-of-the-art press and filtration technology, the company has gained a reputation for supply of consistent quality products.

Lauren Brisbane has grown QCamel into a flourishing business and the world’s only certified organic camel milk producer.

Radicle Seeds Australia specialises in breeding exceptional cultivars that meet the specific needs of growers. As grower-driven seed breeding innovators, the company finds cropping solutions that meet regional challenges and provide consistent long-term yields.

As New Product Development and Commercialisation Manager at Sweet Potatoes Australia, Cassandra Budd is charged with identifying new opportunities and markets to utilise the entire harvest.

Wayfinder was established by Deakin University’s Centre for Supply Chain and Logistics in partnership with leading supply chain organisations, to break down the barriers and create a new talent and capability pipeline for women.

Australian Bay Lobster Producers (ABLP) are using innovation and extensive R&D to create a high-value lobster product suitable for aquaculture. A successful FIAL funding application has given ABLP an avenue to continue R&D to create a state of the art sustainable supply chain.

A 'New Business Model' is a new revenue model that defines how a company creates and capitalises economic value, typically impacting its value proposition, product offering, operational strategies, and brand positioning.