News
12 May, 2021
New Kilcoy Global Foods innovation hub launched
Kilcoy Global Foods (KGF) has partnered with Meat & Livestock Australia and the Australian Meat Processor Corporation to launch a state-of-the-art innovation hub which will enable fast tracking of their market intelligence and new product development capabilities.
Kilcoy Global Foods (KGF) has partnered with Meat & Livestock Australia and the Australian Meat Processor Corporation to launch a state-of-the-art innovation hub which will enable fast tracking of their market intelligence and new product development capabilities.
The new facility on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, will allow KGF to develop, test, evaluate and present new red meat concepts dynamically and interactively with customers and vendors.
The Hub is designed to simulate global best practice in foodservice and retail testing facilities. It features spaces for casual and boardroom dining, a bar/canapé space, butchery facilities with racking and a walk in cool room, freezer, wash and dry room and a full theatre kitchen.
Kilcoy Global Foods Group Chief Executive Officer Dean Goode said the Hub is the realisation of a long-held belief that KGF and industry deserve a facility showcasing its full capabilities.
“This world leading innovation hub provides the whole supply chain an opportunity to develop margin growth opportunities that will ensure our industry an exciting and sustainable future,” he said.
“It is no longer acceptable for industry to sit back and do what we have always done, we need to show leadership by taking our product to market in new and innovative ways, meeting challenges head on.”
“The Hub will, in a short time, become the centre of excellence our industry so richly deserves.”
Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC) Chief Executive Officer Chris Taylor said AMPC was excited to support this initiative, which has a lot to offer the entire red meat industry, including processors.
“Australian processors have some of the highest operating costs in the world – 24% higher than the US, 75% higher than Argentina, and double those of Brazil,” he said.
“But delivering cost efficiencies is only one element of a competitive and sustainable supply chain, and it’s encouraging to see commercial participants partnering with R&D providers to grow the top line. Kilcoy Global Foods must be congratulated for taking the lead on such a valuable initiative.”
Mr Taylor said AMPC is proud to have provided project and funding support through its Plant Initiated Projects initiative, and anticipates strong value returns to the sector as a result. “I am particularly pleased to say our newly-launched New Product Development Academy, designed to support innovation managers in plants, will utilise this new facility,” he said.
Meat & Livestock Australia Managing Director Jason Strong said the new facility was an exciting and innovative reimagining of how to showcase our industry’s world-leading production system, from farm to fork.
“This facility is the culmination of strong collaboration across the supply chain in rethinking our approach to our global customers,” Mr Strong said.
“During the next three years Kilcoy Global Foods will pilot different approaches to using the facility, compiling a number of case studies and lessons learnt which will be made available to the broader industry.
“Importantly, the facility will be also be open to red meat industry participants to hire, with up to 25 days a year allocated to external parties to book and enjoy the facility.”
The Innovation Hub was launched during an event at Beef 2021.
