Australian family-owned producer of hand-crafted dips, Fresh Fodder, has experienced a major surge in demand off the back of COVID-19.
The boutique producer has received new business from more than 400 Woolworths stores nationwide. It is also available through OTR stores in South Australia and is planning a move into the petrol and convenience (P&C) channel in the near future.
To cater for the increased distribution, Fresh Fodder has also managed to triple its productivity rates with the Ilpra FS2500 Rotary Cup Filler; part of the unique packaging and lidding range from Jet Technologies.
Max Schofield, Managing Director of Fresh Fodder, said: “As demand began to rapidly pick up, there soon came a point where our previous operational capabilities were outrun, which is where the investment in the FS2500 came into play as a crucial tool to increase our productivity and efficiency levels.
“As all of this was happening right in the middle of the pandemic, we needed a solution fast. Thankfully, Jet Technologies was able to organise and install the new machine in a very tight timeframe, which helped us greatly throughout COVID-19 and to meet the high demand coming from Woolworths.”
Based in Orange, NSW, Fresh Fodder produces 15 tonnes of product per week across 12 different flavours in both retail packs and food service bulk sizes; distributing nationwide to stores such as Woolworths, Aldi, IGA Supermarkets, Costco, Harris Farm Markets, and independent grocers, fruit markets, cafes, and delis.
“As a business, we are now seeing a huge 25 per cent growth year-on-year, so upgrading to this new solution allows us to optimise operations and keep up with our current and future growth,” said Schofield.