2022 Alumni stories - Australian Native Food Co - Telstra Best of Business Awards

Celebrating native ingredients

Pantry staples, aroma and body products

Managing Director and Founder, Rebecca Paris, envisioned the concept for Australian Native Food Co. while teaching underprivileged youth in remote locations, including Darwin and Whyalla. This gave her the unique experience of learning about Australian native ingredients and produce from local communities.

Rebecca 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 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 uniqueness of native ingredients. Its products can be found online and in retail stores across Australia. The business is 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 with multiple communities

This has played a key role in the business’ success, with their aim being to bring the benefits of Australian native produce and ingredients into homes while educating about them. By increasing awareness about the heritage of Australian native foods, it allows customers to begin to understand and respect the land from which its products are sourced.

"Our love and passion comes from educating the consumer on how to utilise native products through creating food, body, and aroma products. We produce everyday products with amazing flavour profiles that everyone can enjoy and incorporate into their everyday life with added health benefits."

We are utilising wild-harvested ingredients grown in Australia that support our ecosystem. Through this, we are respecting the land and giving back to the community, local farmers, and growers.

Creating more sustainable employment

In recognition of its growth and ability to unite the community, Australian Native Food Co. was named 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 better understand its positive impact on culture and society through the work the team is doing to create sustainable employment outcomes, educate consumers, break barriers, share knowledge, support local and create opportunities for more Australians.