Sunshine Coast specialised food producer Epicurean Products is set to become an advanced manufacturer and improve efficiency thanks to a half-million-dollar Queensland government grant.
State Development Minister Anthony Lynham said the Yandina-based company would use the $514,955 grant to install new processing systems to reduce production time and improve food safety.
The $20 million Made in Queensland program offers matching grants of between $50,000 and $2.5 million to manufacturers looking to adopt innovative processes and technologies to generate highly-skilled jobs and become more internationally competitive.
“The grant will enable Epicurean to install a state-of-the-art batch vacuum system that will halve current batch production times, and a sachet sealing machine that automates temperature control to eliminate contamination risks,” Dr Lynham said.
“Until now, regional food producers may have missed opportunities because existing manufacturing processes were unable to meet market demands.
“With the government’s grant, the company will now be able increase market share and its international competitiveness.
“Now, thanks to Epicurean’s vision and the Queensland Government’s investment, the company will have access to world-class manufacturing processes and their 23 employees will have secure, highly-skilled jobs into the future.”
Epicurean is a food manufacturer of dressings and sauces, with an estimated two million Australians consuming Epicurean products each week, according to the Queensland government media statement.