Ballarat food manufacturer plans to expand with new facility
Australian food brand Exotic Bazaar is undertaking a $2.35 million manufacturing expansion to establish its own production and fulfilment facility, which is being supported by a grant through the Victorian Government’s Victorian Investment Fund and expected to create 18 new jobs over three years.
Founded in 2019 by Gilava Pour, Exotic Bazaar has grown from a small food venture into a nationally distributed brand, with its meal bases, spice blends and cake kits sold through Coles supermarkets and independent retailers.
Until now, the business has grown using external manufacturing and fulfilment partners. The new facility is planned to introduce dedicated blending, packaging and fulfilment capabilities, enabling it to develop, test and refine its products faster, improve operational efficiency and respond more effectively to growing demand.
“For years, our focus has been on making exciting flavours easier for people to enjoy at home. This next step is about building the capability behind that vision,” Pour said.
“Bringing manufacturing into our own hands gives us the freedom to innovate, explore new product ideas and bring them to market much faster. It also means creating new opportunities for people to grow alongside us.”
The government-backed investment will support the expansion of Exotic Bazaar’s existing product range and the development of new food formats, while strengthening the company’s ability to pursue international markets.
“Getting our products onto supermarket shelves was an important milestone, but we’ve always seen that as one step in a much bigger journey,” Pour said.
“Our ambition is to build an Australian food brand that continues to grow, creates opportunities for local people and introduces more people around the world to the flavours we love.”
The business is currently looking for a suitable site for the new facility in Ballarat, Victoria, where Exotic Bazaar was founded.
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