Key Takeaways
- The NSW government has allocated $5.72 million for regional initiatives, including $2.5 million for Grove Juice and $2.27 million for Staughton Group.
- Grove Juice plans to install a new automated bottling line, increasing output to 100,000 containers per hour at its Leeton facility.
- Staughton Group will develop a Regional Demonstration Hub to enhance chilling and freezing technology for local food processors.
Investment in Regional Development
The New South Wales government has invested $5.72 million to support key regional projects aimed at boosting local economies and industries. Among the beneficiaries, Grove Juice received $2.5 million to install a new bottling line at its recently acquired juice facility in Leeton, while Staughton Group was awarded $2.27 million to develop a Regional Demonstration Hub focused on chilling and freezing technology.
Grove Juice plans to enhance its Leeton facility with state-of-the-art automated equipment, which includes processes for heating, blow moulding containers, filling, capping, and labeling. This upgrade is expected to increase the facility’s output to 100,000 containers per hour. The site was previously owned by Bega Group and is integral to Grove’s operational strategies, having been acquired for $11.4 million last October. A long-term supply agreement between the two companies has also been established to process fruit juice for Bega’s beverage range.
The acquisition allows Grove Juice to expand its capacity in fruit processing, reinforcing its commitment to local growers in the Griffith and Leeton regions, who have supported the company for decades. Recently, Grove Juice was selected to participate in the Brisbane Economic Development Agency’s Future Food Global Accelerator, which aims to enhance the global export capabilities of participating companies.
Staughton Group’s $2.27 million funding will facilitate the construction of a Regional Demonstration Hub dedicated to improving inline chilling and freezing for regional food processors. This initiative aims to provide advanced technologies and services to abattoirs and food manufacturers in New South Wales, enabling them to operate in a more sustainable and profitable manner. Minister for Agriculture and Regional New South Wales, Tara Moriarty, emphasized the potential for growth in industry, agritourism, and hospitality in the Riverina region, and expressed pride in the government’s support of projects that create jobs and strengthen local businesses.
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