Alumni Stories
Australian Native Food Co.
2022 Telstra Best of Business Awards | SA | State Winner
Building Communities Award
When it comes to understanding Australia’s local agricultural offering, Australian Native Food Co. appreciates the value of native ingredients more than most.
Managing Director and Founder, Rebecca Paris, envisioned the concept for Australian Native Food Co. while teaching underprivileged youths in remote locations, in particular Darwin and Whyalla, having had the unique experience to learn about Australian native ingredients and produce from local communities.
Rebecca soon started selling jams at local markets where she would speak with local suppliers who inspired her to experiment and innovate with new products. In less than 12 months and during the ongoing impact of the pandemic, the company was forced to shift its thinking and completely revolutionise its business model end-to-end.
Fast forward a few years and Australian Native Food Co. now offers a wide range of pantry staples, aroma and body products celebrating the unique spirit of native ingredients. Its products can be found online, in retail stores and are stocked all around Australia, with the business now exploring opportunities to move into bulk production, enabling it to deliver higher quality products, better consistency and accessibility, along with the ability to meet growing demand.
Building relationships within multiple communities has played a key role in the business’ success, with their aim being to not only bring the benefits of Australian native produce and ingredients into homes but also to educate. By increasing awareness about the heritage of Australian native foods, it allows customers to begin to learn to understand and respect the land from which its products are sourced.
In recognition of its growth and ability to unite the community, Australian Native Food Co. was named the 2022 Telstra Best of Business Awards, Building Communities Award, South Australian State Winner.
Involvement in the new Awards program has also allowed the business to greater understand its positive impact on culture and society through the tangible work the team is doing to create sustainable employment outcomes, educate consumers, break barriers, share knowledge, support local and create opportunities for more Australians.
