Global health company Amazonia is opening a 1450 square metre research and development site in Queensland to create and test sustainable plant-based products.
Located in Arundel on the Gold Coast, the ‘Amazonia Innovation Lab’ comes as the market for ethical, sustainable and healthy foods has rapidly increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. Constructed with sustainable principles and eco-friendly standards, the lab has a five-star Green Star Design with the Green Building Council of Australia.
Amazonia CEO Yohann Azlee said experimentation with sustainable plant-sourced superfoods will be its focus.
“Our new lab will not only be new global headquarters for Amazonia, with around 50 staff, but it is also going to be the place we innovate with plant-sourced nutrients to create highly effective nutritional solutions,” said Azlee.
Founded in 2008 by Dwayne Martens and Chris Norden, Amazonia exports plant-based supplements to many countries including South Korea. It is also a leading importer of frozen acai to the United Arab Emirates and Australia.
Azlee said the lab marks a significant milestone for the company as it reaches roughly 80 products, with plant-based meats in the pipeline.
“We plan to not only make this the location where we continue to map out our global expansion while experimenting with new fruit and vegetable varieties as we seek to identify ways to use them in future products.
Azlee said the goal is the establish the company as Australia’s leading health innovator.
The company also aims to increase its export base through the Innovation Lab by developing products for certain markets.
Azlee added that the company’s missions since establishment is to have a positive impact on the planet.
“Our lab will provide us with the ability to provide a centre that houses a number of the community forums, industry and educational partnerships we are developing all designed to create a more sustainable future.” he said.
