Despite the significant impact of COVID-19 on our industry, a number of MNFG partner businesses have found new opportunities through collaboration while others continue to receive industry recognition for excellence.
MNFG partners are collaborating on projects that demonstrate creativity and the benefits of supporting each other. For example, Il Nonno teamed up with That’s Amore Cheese and ITAL Biscuits to launch NONNO AT HOME, which delivers prepared authentic Italian dinners to the door. And MNFG partner Picnic Dairy Foods has established an e-commerce platform that fully supports Australian businesses and their locally made products. Called ‘Picnic St’, it’s an online marketplace that local manufacturers can use to help keep viable, competitive and vibrant during hard times.
MNFG partner Brite is a social enterprise that has been providing jobs and support to people with disabilities for over 40 years. Brite is now producing its own Brite Muesli and is working with MNFG partner Sealane to distribute statewide. (Brite Muesli is available to purchase online. More info.) Brite is also helping the fight against COVID-19 by producing TGA-approved face shields for healthcare workers. The Brite team has assembled and donated face shields to GPs who can’t access government stockpiles. (More information and contact details for purchase are available here.)
MNFG partners continue to be recognised for their great products and business excellence. The Lupin Co recently was recognised at the Food & Beverage Industry Awards with Foodservice Product of the Year for their Sweet Lupin Flake. Minjums Foods was also listed as a finalist in the Start-Up of the Year category at the same awards.
Our Northern Business Achievement Awards transitioned to their first online stream in August and will host a second on 1 October. The virtual NBAA events continue to celebrate the achievements of businesses in Melbourne’s north, particularly during the pandemic. MNFG partners Blue Pear Pantry, Floridia Cheese, Glenroy Bakery and Repurpose It have been nominated for this year’s awards, and a Hot Coals Catering employee is nominated for Young Business Achiever of the Year. The NBAA Grand Finale will be held on 3 December 2020.
MNFG recently launched the Melbourne’s North Buying Group to help partners reduce costs, and there are some great deals on offer. Partners ICAL and Sealane are supplying quality face masks to the MN Buying Group, while Crown Property Services is providing comprehensive COVID-19 deep cleans.
Several MNFG partners have successfully adopted a home delivery service and others have opened their factories to consumers to visit and purchase. Businesses are listed on our Food and Beverage Exchange with details on product purchasing and possible delivery. MNFG partners can display on the page by emailing t.harford@latrobe.edu.au.