SSS Strawberries opens Gina’s Table facility in Thabeban

SSS Strawberries officially opened Gina’s Table freeze drying facility in Thabeban this week, with Masterchef Adriano Zumbo showcasing the end result as part of the celebrations.

Space tech officially landed in Bundaberg on Wednesday, as part of SSS Strawberries’ new $15 million freeze drying enterprise in Thabeban.

The business launched the new facility alongside its retail brand Gina’s Table with the hopes of cutting down food waste and bringing a new taste sensation to Australian and international markets.

Gina’s Table general manager Gina Dang said the family business had grown from humble origins into one of the largest strawberry suppliers in Australia.

“We have been strawberry growers since arriving in Australia from Vietnam so know first-hand the back breaking work it takes to get a good crop up and out of the ground,” she said.

“It’s heartbreaking to watch fruit that we have grown get rejected and destroyed. We wanted to find a way to ensure that the fruit that can’t be sold due to strict criteria has a second life.”

The 371sq m facility will employ 50 staff once fully operational, with the capacity to process 2000 tonnes of food waste 24/7 all year round using the same technology as that used in space.

The new Gina's Table freeze-drying facility will make use of the same technology which provides sustenance to astronauts.

“This freeze drying machine from Denmark gives us many applications for food production such as frozen fruit, fruit purees, juices, dairy blends, powders, crumbles and probiotic yoghurts,” Mrs Dang said.

Mayor Jack Dempsey welcomed the major investment, and the jobs the facility will provide in coming years.

“The agricultural industry is a key contributor to our local economy and to have businesses not just growing but also processing and packing product in our region creates a substantial flow-on effect,” he said.

“The Bundaberg name is known throughout the world as a supplier of high quality fresh produce and innovative products and this endeavour will further enhance that reputation.”

Dozens attended the opening celebration, including Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick, Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith and Masterchef Adriano Zumbo who created a line of freeze dried fruit inspired desserts for guests at the event.

“We are getting spoiled today with Masterchef Adriano Zumbo creating amazing desserts for our guests, customers, suppliers, friends and family as well as delicious strawberry based creations from a range of food influencers,” Mrs Dang said.