$1.2 million return expected on Plenty Food Kingaroy healthy oil

A Kingaroy company’s breakthrough cooking alternative has launched in 900 Woolworths supermarkets nationwide.

A new ‘healthy and sustainable’ safflower oil has been launched, into 900 Woolworths supermarkets nationwide expecting a $1.2 million first year return.

Australia’s newest healthy and sustainable cooking oil made in Kingaroy, and with an expected $1.2 million return in the first year, has launched in 900 Woolworth supermarkets across the country.

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The healthy alternative is produced at Plenty Foods Kingaroy by extracting oil from SHO safflower seeds, developed by the CSIRO to be grown in the Queensland climate.

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Plenty Foods owner and managing director Josh Gadischke said that once people tried the safflower oil, they stayed with it.

Plenty Foods began in the 1986 as a family owned business .

Mr Gadischke said Plenty Foods began in the 1986 as a family owned business when there was a high demand for cold pressed peanut oil.

“Within a few years tree nut oils were added to the range and we pioneered and developed the first extraction method for macadamia oil in the world,” Mr Gadischke said.

The owner of 12 years said CSIRO approached his business in 2018 to run a safflower plant breeding program.

“Now we’re at the stage of launching the product after this long term project,” Mr Gadischke said.

“Safflower has unique properties that will make it successful in the market.

“It is a drought tolerant plant and has a deep tap root that can break through rough ground and survive in poorer quality soils.

“Canola, which is commonly used in kitchens, is a winter crop whereas safflower is a summer crop that can thrive in areas that are not known for high rainfall.”

Plenty Foods received glowing reports from chefs and cooking focused groups that have cooked with safflower oil.

The oil is made naturally with pressure and heat, is chemical free, has the highest proportion of oleic acid and the lowest amount of saturated fats, which is common in most cooking oils.

The specialised processing line is the result of a $7 million investment to create the safflower oil facility.

Plenty Foods received glowing reports from chefs and cooking focused groups that cooked with safflower oil.

Mr Gadischke said the oil had a higher smoke point than any other oil on the market at 226 degrees.

“Chefs have said it has a neutral taste which doesn’t mask the flavours and allows the ingredients to shine, while sitting at high heat.

“It also makes for a nice salad dressing and doesn’t go cloudy in the fridge, like other oils.

“We believe Australian households will grow to love this high-quality, homegrown alternative to the imports commonly available,” he said.

Plenty Safflower Oil is $8.50 available in a 750ml recyclable bottle at Woolworths nationally and selected independents grocers.