With millions of Australians becoming more health conscious and adopting gluten free or vegan diets, Gluten Free Bakehouse has today (11 December) opened a new factory that will help meet growing demand and provide extra jobs on the Sunshine Coast.
The refurbished factory at Kunda Park includes state-of-the-art equipment, providing business owners Colin Pettigrew and Lisa Nevens the opportunity to produce significant quantities of product, along with introducing an exclusive egg free and gluten free range.
Also owning the successful business Temptations in Melbourne, which has been in operation for more than 25 years, the Gluten Free Bakehouse team specialise in producing gluten free treats.
With a strong focus on quality and taste, the team currently manufactures gluten free and vegan specialty breads, cakes, puddings, muffins, hot cross buns, pizza bases and pies.
Mayor Mark Jamieson officially opened the new premises today and congratulated the family-owned business on its on-going success.
"I'm delighted that Gluten Free Bakehouse has chosen our healthy, smart, creative region to expand their operations," Mayor Jamieson said.
"With the help of council, and after exploring a number of options, they've been able to secure a suitable site right here at Kunda Park which is a great outcome for our Sunshine Coast.
"Their decision to expand their operations here is another strong sign of confidence in our regional economy and in the Sunshine Coast as a place for business.
"With operations in both the Sunshine Coast and Victoria, Gluten Free Bakehouse employs 120 staff across all sites, including 26 staff here locally which is set to grow to 45 in the next four years.
"The construction phase alone at Kunda Park has contributed just under a million dollars to the Sunshine Coast economy.
"And today's event is another demonstration that confidence is strong on the Sunshine Coast."
Gluten Free Bakehouse managing director Lisa Nevens said the company was extremely excited to be taking the next step in the growth of the family business.
"The new facility will allow us to grow our retail, foodservice and QSR (quick service restaurants) markets along with targeted export opportunities," Mrs Nevens said
"Our continued investment in the Sunshine Coast underlines our commitment to the communities in which we operate and our focus on creating sustainable jobs in the region.
"As a 100% Australian owned business, we are immensely proud to be a supply partner to our national retailers and airlines.
"And we're looking forward to building our business from the beautiful Sunshine Coast."
The general manager of Australia's fastest growing food cluster, the Food and Agribusiness Network (FAN), Emma Greenhatch, also welcomed the Gluten Free Bakehouse expansion.
"World-wide there is an increasing trend for 'free from' products, and Gluten Free Bakehouse's increased production capacity at the new facility will support the company to grow both its national and international markets," Ms Greenhatch said.
"With the expansion of the Sunshine Coast Airport and a supportive and collaborative business community that is strongly backed by Sunshine Coast Council, there's no better time to be building or expanding a food business in this region"
For more details on the Gluten Free Bakehouse visit https://gfbakehouseshop.com.au/
