The family business behind Rebello fruit cider have hatched a new plan to produce local frozen berries.
Matt and Ruth Gallace, from Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, who launched 100 per cent real fruit blended cider Rebello four years ago, are behind the venture.
The launch aims to tap into new demand for local produce after 20 people contracted Hepatitis A, with the source of contamination thought to be frozen mixed berries from Chile and China.
Australian frozen berries are currently only available at farm-gate in small quantities, but using berries from the family farm, which grows strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and cherries, the pair will launch the new Matilda’s brand.
They will initially produce frozen strawberries and are aiming at nationwide distribution in supermarkets, and will then move to frozen mixed berries.
Ruth Gallace says previously the costs were too prohibitive, but new demand for local means they can sell their berries at a higher price point.
“The initial set-up in regards to equipment for production, storage and cost of local pickers weren’t conducive with a viable business, but we feel demand for local produce will change that.”
Agriculture minister Barnaby Joyce and nationals senator for NSW, Fiona Nash both congratulated the Gallace family on their initiative.
