Page 13 - Food & Drink Magazine April 2021

Tasmania, enhancing our
ability to support local ✷ businesses and the agricultural
community of Tasmania.”
NEW DIRECTIONS
Asked where to next after Tasmania, Howarth says, “We’re heading south to wine country, the Barossa Valley”. The plan is to set up close to winemakers as the company prepares to debut its new Wine Protector range in late 2021.
“This range is designed to provide tailored solutions for both domestic and export shipping, anywhere from small gifting ranges to large pallet transportation,” she explains.
The single or double pack retail solution will be positioned as a high-end, premium offering for gifts. The second solution will be available in 6-, 9-, or 12-pack configurations to consolidate wines for shipping.
“Wine Protector will provide both cushioning and temperature control to ensure the wine arrives to its destination in pristine condition,” Howarth says.
Intent on expanding its horizons beyond Australian borders, PPP is looking at a launch in Asia for 2022.
“We’re currently checking market entry feasibility for Indonesia and Singapore, where we’d be looking for distribution partners; and we’re in discussions with a distribution partner in Korea,” Howarth says.
To fund these ambitious plans, the company is in the process of a capital raise for at least $6 million. It has opened a data room to a range of private, institutional and impact investors spanning the globe.
“While pen has not hit paper just quite yet, we are confident we have found a major partner with whom we can rapidly expand and increase our impact,” Howarth says.
It is Howarth’s unwavering commitment, and the passionate desire on the part of her team to make a positive impact when it comes to protecting the planet from the ravages of polystyrene, that has brought the company thus far on its journey and will no doubt fuel its growth as its footprint expands. ✷
CONNECTIONS
THE COLD CHAIN
NEW DISTRIBUTION PARTNERSHIP
Planet Protector Packaging (PPP) has signed a nationwide partnership with Pro-Pac Packaging Limited (ASX: PPG), an international company, with a diversified distribution and manufacturing network throughout Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. The company provides a combination of product and service solutions for primary, secondary packaging, and tertiary packaging.
PPG supplies a wide range of products and services into most industry segments ranging from primary produce, food and food processing industries, agricultural, industrial and commercial markets, to warehousing and logistics, retail and FMCG markets. This made PPG a natural fit for PPP, which targets the food, seafood and pharmaceutical industries.
PPG CEO Tim Welsh says, “Pro-Pac Packaging is delighted to partner with Planet Protector Packaging as its exclusive Australian distributor.
“Pro-Pac Packaging recognises that sustainability is a priority for clients, consumers and businesses alike. We are committed to doing our part in making positive changes towards a sustainable future, creating better lives,” Welsh says.
“Pro-Pac Packaging is an innovative packaging company and delivers bespoke packaging solutions for clients and Planet Protector Packaging and its Woolpack product range is consistent with this. Our long-term distribution agreement sets a solid foundation for both parties to meet the needs of our clients and achieve our shared goals.”
PPG’s market reach across the whole of the Australian mainland means Planet Protector Packaging will be able to bring its innovative insulated solutions direct to customers faster and with a significant reduction in transportation costs.
than polystyrene, but it provides a cushioned packaging which is great when our hampers and packs include glass jars and perishable products,” Bennett says.
“TasFoods’ purpose is to deliver the essence of Tasmania to the table. We are building a portfolio of leading Tasmanian food brands that leverage the natural advantages of Tasmania and its reputation for fine food,” she continues.
“This year we are growing our online sales significantly through improving our product offering and utilising a new refrigerated logistics solution that delivers direct to the customer door across Australia.”
The company is expanding its product range to include other premium Tasmanian products and brands to provide a top-end Tasmanian flavoured solution for home entertaining occasions, hampers, and corporate gifting.
“A large proportion of our product range is perishable and requires refrigeration to maintain shelf life. PPP’s
Woolpack is a core component of our ability to consistently deliver boxes and hampers in the condition consumers expect and maintain the cool chain even when the product is left on the doorstep,” Bennett says.
One of the businesses owned by TasFoods is Shima Wasabi, Australia’s only commercial wasabi farm.
“We deliver fresh wasabi leaves, flowers and the stem used to grate into wasabi paste directly to chefs around Australia who require this expensive vegetable to arrive in perfect condition, ready to serve,” Bennett explains. “The Woolpack packaging keeps the wasabi cool and protects the delicate flowers and leaves during transit. Our customers appreciate that the packaging fits within their standard waste processes more comfortably than polystyrene.”
Commenting on the imminent establishment of PPP’s operations in Tasmania, Bennett says, “We are excited at the prospect of having the packaging produced locally in
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