Ferndale Foods Australia is in the next phase of its business growth after a $23 million investment in its food manufacturing facility in Ballarat, Victoria. The Australian family-owned and -operated company is now launching its own line of sports and diet bars called TEAM NUTRITION.

With the capacity to manufacture around 180 million bars annually, the new Ballarat facility opened 12 month ago. While it has been initially focused on co-manufacturing, supporting other bar brands with its expertise in food production, Ferndale Foods Australia is now making its own branded bar range which features four products designed for athletes and everyday consumers.

“We’re incredibly excited to bring TEAM NUTRITION to the market,” said Leigh Edward, CEO of Ferndale Foods Australia.

“We’ve built our reputation on crafting high-quality products that Australians love, and this new range is a natural extension of that commitment.”

‘Better for you’ products are rising in popularity, driven by their ability to offer convenience and nutritional benefits to consumers. The market for these products is growing both in Australia and globally, projected to be worth around $48 billion by 2025.

“Our investment in the Ballarat facility reflects our long-term vision for the future. As a family-owned business, we’re dedicated to creating jobs, investing in local communities, and setting the standard for quality in the Australian food industry. TEAM NUTRITION is a continuation of the journey my father started over 30 years ago,” Edward said.

The Edward family has established various food manufacturing facilities in Australia. The first was Ferndale Confectionery — opened by Leigh Edward’s father, Bruce Edward, in 1995 — producing brands such as JILA MINTS and JOLS Pastilles. Father and son also founded the So Soft Marshmallow Co. in 2017.

The new sport and diet bar range will be available in Woolworths stores nationwide in early November.