The Arnott's Group opens multimillion-dollar food facility in Vic

On 21 February 2025, The Arnott’s Group opened a multimillion-dollar, 45,000 m² manufacturing facility in Rowville, Victoria, designed to advance its better-for-you growth ambitions.

Arnott’s Group CEO George Zoghbi said the business was proud to be back in Melbourne, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to local manufacturing and product innovation.

“Arnott’s has been at the forefront of manufacturing in Australia for 160 years. Our new Rowville facility ensures we continue to drive product innovation and remain ready to cater to consumer trends as they emerge,” Zoghbi said.

“We know that Australian consumers are increasingly seeking nutritious snacking options that deliver on both taste and quality. Rowville gives us unparalleled manufacturing capabilities to grow our better-for-you portfolio and offer consumers greater choice across supermarket aisles.

“Our success is built upon strong partnerships with Australian suppliers and logistics providers. Today’s announcement strengthens these important relationships across Victoria and the country and further cements our footprint in the state.”

In 2021, The Arnott’s Group acquired Diver Foods and later the Freedom Foods brands, consolidating them into The Good Food Partners Business —which is today one of Australia’s largest producers of branded and private label cereals, muesli, nutritional snacks and bars. 

Built in less than two years, the new site features three manufacturing zones: one for breakfast cereal and salty snacking products; the second for muesli and granola manufacturing; and the third for traditional snack manufacturing. There are also dedicated allergen-free and extruded products zone, an R&D culinary centre and two logistics warehouses.

According to Honi Cervi, General Manager of Innovation & Growth, Good Food Partners, Arnott’s Group, the site will produce 180 million muesli and protein bars, 40 million oat sachets, and 300 million bowls of cereal and muesli per year. Cervi said the R&D culinary centre is designed to help to fast-track the food manufacturing process from end to end, potentially bringing new food ideas to market in around 20 weeks.

The official opening was attended by the Victorian Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing, the Hon Colin Brooks MP, together with the Member for Aston,  Mary Doyle MP; the Member for Rowville, Kim Wells MP; the Members for South-Eastern Metropolitan, Michael Galea MLC and Lee Tarlamis MLC; Elder Mark Brown from the Bunurong Land Council; and key suppliers.

Cervi said consumers have been asking for more focus on gluten-free, allergen control and high-protein snacking options — low calorie and low sugar but still indulgent. The site will manufacture recognised brands including Freedom Cereals, Messy Monkeys, Sunsol, Heritage Mill, Arnold’s Farm, Arnott’s Treatles and Sam’s Pantry.  

“Arnott’s is one of Australia’s most loved brands and they have been manufacturing in Australia for 160 years,” said Brooks at the opening of the facility.
“The company’s growing presence in Victoria is testament to our skilled local workforce — and that workforce will grow with this expansion at Good Food Partners.”

In November last year, The Arnott’s Group acquired Mother Earth, Flemings and VP from New Zealand-based food manufacturer Prolife Foods, in a bid to expand its branded better-for-you portfolio, unlock new manufacturing capabilities and enter new category segments.

Top image caption: Minister Colin Brooks with Arnott’s Group CEO George Zoghbi and Bo Spezza, General Manager Supply Chain & Operations, Good Food Partners.