Australian food brand company Openway Food has launched its brand-new $10 million manufacturing facility in Melbourne, following a significant increase in the sales of its Mini Rice Cakes, part of its Table of Plenty product line.
The new facility will generate around 40 new employment as well as economic benefits for the local rice and other ingredient suppliers who will supply the facility, the company announced in a press release.
The items’ environmental impact will also be improved by being manufactured domestically, which will help lower the price and supply chain difficulties involved with importing them from Europe.
Andrew Loader, CEO of Openway Food, said the opening of the new manufacturing facility will enable them to scale up their businesses by making “purpose-led, better-for-you food products more accessible to Australian consumers.”
He stated, “We have some outstanding local innovators and some of the best quality produce on our doorstep, so we need more onshore manufacturing capabilities to fully realise their value and keep the economic benefits within our local economy.”
The creators of Table of Plenty, Kate and Tal Weiss, also expressed their delight at being able to use their investment in Openway Food to return the manufacturing of their rice cakes back to Australia.
“Australians want more wholesome and healthy foods that are produced sustainably and locally. Not only does it improve the carbon footprint of our products, we’re proud to be able to provide great manufacturing jobs and support local farmers,” the founders said.
Openway Food revealed the new facility is located within Openways’ multi-purpose food plant in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs.
The company said it will manufacture a variety of coated tiny rice cakes for a rising number of shops in Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia.
