Ballarat confectionery and snack bar maker, Ferndale Foods Australia, will install a $3 million packing line in early 2027 to lift mint capacity fivefold, as its JILA brand launches into 16,500 stores in South Korea.
The family-owned manufacturer said JILA is launching through the CU convenience and Olive Young retail networks, with a further 11,000 stores expected to follow in the first quarter of 2027. That would take the brand to about 27,500 outlets in South Korea.
The new packing line follows a $1 million investment in expanding mint production about 18 months ago.
Alongside JILA, Ferndale says it supplies the majority of Australia’s private label gum and mints, manufacturing for major retailers.
Ferndale Foods Australia operations manager, Leigh Edward, said the business was seeing growing demand across its gum, mint and snacking operations.
“We’re showing that a business based in Ballarat can compete internationally on quality and value,” Edward said.
“The South Korean launch is a significant milestone for JILA and for our team. Having products made here in regional Victoria reach 16,500 stores overseas is something we’re incredibly proud of, and there is substantial further opportunity ahead.”
He said value had become more important to the business’s customers during a period of economic uncertainty.
“Consumers are watching what they spend, but they still expect a quality product. Our focus has been on delivering both,” he said.
“Continual investment allows us to improve efficiency, increase capacity and offer outstanding value. That approach is translating into growing demand here in Australia and overseas.”
Snack bar volumes
FoodLine Australia, Ferndale’s snack bar manufacturing operation, is forecast to produce more than 55 million bars in 2027 for global brands. The company put its investment in the business at $23 million. FDB reported in August 2023 that Ferndale was building the Delacombe facility at a cost of $20 million, with capacity to produce 180 million bars a year for co-manufacturing customers and its own better-for-you lines.
The group, which also includes Ferndale Confectionery and The SoSoft Marshmallow Co., employs about 100 people in Ballarat.
“Ballarat is our home, and we’re committed to continuing to invest here,” Edward said.
“These investments are about building the capacity to meet demand and creating a strong future for the business and the people who work with us.”
South Korea is not a new market for Ferndale. In 2015, FDB reported the company was seeking an equity partner to fund expansion into Asia, with JILA and JOLS already sold in South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, China and Hong Kong.
