Rosella launches foodservice range you can trace

A traceable foodservice range made with 100% Aussie grown tomatoes is being produced by Rosella to meet the growing demand for local food. The iconic Australian brand has partnered with one of Australia’s largest tomato grower and processor, Kagome Australia, to expand into the nation’s $79 billion foodservice industry.

“Having provided consumers with quality, locally grown produce for over a century at Rosella, it’s hugely exciting to now bring that same opportunity to commercial kitchens – and their customers,” said Rosella’s owner, Sabrands, Chief Executive Officer Anthony Davie.

Kagome has grown non-genetically modified tomatoes in Victoria’s food bowl — Echuca and the Murray Valley region — since 2010. It will become the supplier and manufacturer of Rosella’s new foodservice range, which includes 1 kg or more packs of tomato paste, tomato puree, pizza sauces, tomato sauce and Napoli sauce.

According to Troy Hudgson from Kagome Australia, the company uses RFID technology to track tomatoes from the initial harvesting in the paddock onto the truck, through the unloading and into the processing plant. IoT devices on the harvesters are connected to the RFID scanners on the collection bins so the exact GPS location is recorded in real time.

“During harvesting, the Kagome farm operates 24/7 and produces around 4000 tonnes of tomatoes a day,” Hudgson said. The smart sensor technology is used to ensure each bin of tomatoes is traceable to the exact region where it was grown and made. Hudson said it also helps to ensure the freshness of the product as harvesting logistics can be managed on a first-in, first-out basis.

Using Kagome’s ‘paddock-to-plate’ branding technology, each tomato used for the Rosella foodservice range will be traceable directly to the Australian farm where it was grown.

“Research shows nine out of 10 Aussies are more likely to buy locally made products. It’s good for our farmers and local communities, so it’s a smart move for restaurants and food brands to use Australian ingredients — commercially and ethically. It’s what consumers want and expect more of — no matter whether they eat at home or in a restaurant,” Davie continued. “It’s a great partnership that will continue to build a bright future for one of Australia’s oldest and favourite brands.”

Both companies will remain separate, but Kagome Australia CEO Jason Fritsch said the company was proud to partner with a brand with a rich history in Australia.

“We aim to make sure the food industry and consumers consciously choose to buy and eat at places who support local produce,” Fritsch said. “Kagome and Rosella proudly invest in our people, technology, farming and manufacturing practices to make sure we minimise our waste, support sustainable farming and irrigation practices, and get the foodservice industry and consumers thinking and caring about where their food comes from — right down to the farm it’s grown in.”

The new wholesale range will be available nationally through foodservice distributors in addition to Rosella’s consumer range, which includes sauces, soups and condiments sold in retail supermarkets and grocery channels.

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