The Australian plant-based food industry has achieved a significant milestone with the establishment of Harvest B’s new facility in Penrith, New South Wales. This state-of-the-art operation positions the Sydney-based company as the nation’s first producer of plant-based meat ingredients, utilizing locally sourced and processed grains to develop innovative food solutions.
Harvest B aims to cater to the increasing demand for sustainable and plant-based protein options by providing food manufacturers, brands, and service companies with high-quality, clean-label ingredients. Harvest B designs these products to rival traditional animal-based proteins in taste, quality, and cost, while also significantly reducing carbon footprints across supply chains.
A notable advantage of Harvest B’s locally produced ingredients lies in their extended shelf life and the elimination of the need for cold-chain storage. This positions the company as a sustainable alternative to imported products while also ensuring a consistent and efficient supply chain for businesses. By leveraging Australia’s premium-grade grains, Harvest B is not only adding local value but also reducing the nation’s dependence on foreign plant-based proteins and generating skilled employment opportunities.
Kristi Riordan and Alfred Lo co-founded the venture to address the growing global need for sustainable food systems. According to Lo, the company’s Chief Commercial Officer, the absence of a large-scale supplier of high-quality, locally manufactured plant proteins for Australian food producers was a glaring gap in the market. “It made no sense to export Australian-grown produce for overseas processing only to repurchase it at inflated prices,” stated Riordan, who serves as CEO.
The new facility has garnered praise from government officials and industry leaders alike. Federal Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic, speaking at the launch, emphasized the facility’s alignment with the Albanese Government’s vision for advanced manufacturing. “The government is committed to revitalizing Australia’s manufacturing sector by supporting companies like Harvest B,” he said. “Australia’s reputation as a producer of safe, premium, high-quality food is well established, and this initiative will enable domestic businesses to meet the growing demand for plant-based protein foods.”
Jens Goennemann, Managing Director of the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC), also commended Harvest B’s focus on value addition to Australian natural resources. “Australia has long relied on exporting raw commodities. Harvest B exemplifies how innovation can transform these resources into high-value products domestically,” Goennemann noted.
The Penrith facility boasts an initial production capacity of 1,000 metric tonnes and supplies ingredients for products such as plant-based sausages, patties, mince, and proprietary whole-meat alternatives. In addition to serving the domestic market, the company is exploring export opportunities in Southeast Asia to further expand its footprint.
Harvest B plans to develop ten distinct product lines, positioning it to play a transformative role in the plant-based protein market. The project has benefited from co-investment by the Federal Government through the AMGC and support from key industry partners, including Woolworths’ venture fund, W23.
Harvest B’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and leveraging local resources positions it as a trailblazer in Australia’s food manufacturing landscape. By fostering a shift toward advanced manufacturing and sustainable food production, the company is not only meeting consumer demand but also contributing to the broader goal of building resilient and eco-friendly food systems.
This initiative exemplifies how local ingenuity can address global challenges while creating economic and environmental benefits for Australia.
