Gurneys Cidery at Foster will expand its annual cider output to 250,000 litres, with a new facility built, following a grant of $331,660.
The funds went towards the conversion and fit-out of an existing shed into a fully functioning commercial cidery.
The cidery is also working towards a goal of 500,000L produced yearly in the future.
Included in the upgrade was the installation of high-capacity fruit processing equipment, as well as new and existing infrastructure connections, to increase production volumes and create operational efficiencies.
The Victorian Government's $15 million Food to Market program has enabled agricultural producers, such as Gurneys Cidery in Foster, to grow exports, build domestic market capability and manage supply chain risks.
Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh met with Food to Market grant recipients and owners of Gurneys Cidery, Lorraine and William Gurnett, as well as Maker Tom Gurnett, to officially open the new facility.
The current 250,000L output has led to new partnerships with larger retailers and engagement with a broader market.
Gurneys also reported a positive flow-on effect to other South Gippsland businesses who can now utilise the new facility to step up production and grow their own brands in a local setting.
It’s hoped the upgrade will attract more tourists to South Gippsland, and the bigger facility will mean more local jobs.
The Food to Market program concluded in 2023 and was a commitment under the $115 million Agriculture Strategy, to help to deliver on the vision for a strong, innovative and sustainable sector.
The program has supported jobs, delivered productivity improvements and capitalised on new opportunities across the agri-food supply chain.
To learn more about the Food to Market Program visit https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/support-and-resources/funds-grants-programs/food-to-market-program].
Quote attributable to Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence
“It’s wonderful to see the Food to Market program grant recipients bring their visions to life, delivering bespoke improvements to their businesses while contributing to a stronger, more sustainable market.”
Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh
“Gurneys sets an example for small businesses that want to scale up. The cidery is both a productive facility and an attraction that boosts the visitor economy in the beautiful South Gippsland region.”
Quotes attributable to Gurneys Cidery Maker Tom Gurnett
"The new facility allows us to grow to produce volumes of up to 500,000L of our own and other local producers of alcoholic and non-alcoholic products.”
“Gurneys continues to grow, and we're stoked to have the opportunity and now capacity to share a taste of our unique Gippsland ciders across Australia and overseas!”
