Central Coast food manufacturing hub opens

The federal government recently announced the opening of the Food Manufacturing Innovation Hub on the New South Wales Central Coast. The Department of Industry says the new facility will support local food and beverage businesses to scale up from small-batch production to larger, commercially viable operations, helping to create jobs, strengthen supply chains and retain value-adding manufacturing in Australia.

The Australian Government awarded $17 million to Central Coast Industry Connect to deliver the facility under the Establishing a Food Manufacturing Innovation Hub grant.

The Central Coast Food Manufacturing Innovation Hub will give small and medium-sized food producers access to commercial-scale facilities, industry expertise and specialist growth support to help businesses develop, test and commercialise new products more efficiently.

“The Central Coast Food Manufacturing Innovation Hub will help local businesses turn great ideas into successful products — creating jobs, lifting productivity and strengthening Australia’s manufacturing capability,” said Minister for Industry and Innovation Tim Ayres. “This is about backing Australian producers with access to world-class facilities, helping them to scale up, innovate and compete in growing domestic and international markets.

“Australia’s food and beverage manufacturing sector is critical to our agricultural supply chains, food security, exports and regional economies. This Hub is an investment in the future of Australian manufacturing capability.”

Central Coast Industry Connect says that three businesses have already signed on to operate from the Hub, with further space available now.

Major manufacturers such as Mars Food and Nutrition, Sanitarium and Sara Lee are all based near the Hub, reflecting the strength of manufacturing on the Central Coast.

Image credit: Central Coast Industry Connect