As part of the Tasmanian Government’s Innovation and Investment grants scheme, a number of local food manufacturers will have the opportunity to reach new markets and expand their production capacities.
The world’s biggest supplier of wild-caught abalone, Ralph’s Tasmanian Seafood has received $167,000 in funding that it will use to develop an innovative new packaging process which will allow the company to expand into new markets, The Mercury reports.
General manager of Ralph’s, Mark Webster said that the new packing is designed to improve shelf life to a total of 21 days.
"Presently chilled abalone meat only has a four-day shelf life, but the new modified atmosphere packaged process will move to 21 days allowing us to enter different markets not serviced," said Webster.
Another food manufacturer to share in the Innovation and Investment scheme includes condiment jam and dessert company, Island Berries Tasmania who will receive $96,400 to help fit out a new food production facility at Cambridge which will lower unit cost for producers.
The grant will also help Island Berries move into processing cherries and increase apple puree production for hospitals and care facilities.