A new partnership with the State’s regional Visy distributor, GJ Freight, is set to further strengthen the supply chain for Southern Forests producers. GJ Freight Owner Greg Stewart said “It has taken us several years to work towards opening a depot in Manjimup as the epicentre for fresh produce from the South West, and the opportunity to partner with Genuinely Southern Forests was a fortuitous outcome which has great potential for ourselves and the region’s producers.” GJ Freight is a family-owned and operated business that has been providing transport and freight logistic services to the South West for over 25 years, with their relationship with Visy being established in their foundational stages. Mr Stewart continued “GJ Freight has been working with Visy throughout the journey to continually improve and provide industry with packaging solutions that meet their needs and requirements. By developing a distinct Genuinely Southern Forests range of packaging in the quality Visy cartons, great value is going to be added to Southern Forests producers.” The Southern Forests region produces over 87,000 tonne of produce worth over $230 million per annum (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2016), with the region’s producers uniting under the Genuinely Southern Forests brand to supply fresh, local, quality produce to domestic and international markets. Southern Forests Food Council Executive Chairman Bevan Eatts welcomes the partnership saying, “We are pleased to be partnering with GJ Freight who have setup in our region, created local jobs and are passionate about supporting local industry.” Bevan continued, “Consumers are now more than ever wanting to know where their food comes from, and through the Genuinely Southern Forests range of packaging and partnerships such as this, our regions producers are able to capitalise on this demand.” The Genuinely Southern Forests range of cartons are now available through GJ Freight and includes a 100mm/5kg tray suitable for avocados, stonefruit, figs, passionfruit and feijoas; a 156mm/10kg carton suitable for avocados, stonefruit, apples and pears; and a 160mm/12kg carton suitable for apples, pears and lemons. For supply enquiries please contact GJ Freight on 08 9771 2666 or sales@gjfreight.com.au. The Southern Forests region includes the towns of Manjimup, Pemberton, Northcliffe and Walpole resulting in an extensive range of over 50 fruits and vegetables grown by member producers with a variety of produce including apples, avocados, brassica, stone fruit and potatoes in addition to value added grocery products including honey, wine, green tea and sparkling juices. The Food Council was established following a $5 million investment under the State Government’s Royalties for Regions scheme. A Committee of Management, together with Southern Forest Food Council staff, bring the
region’s world-class and varied produce to domestic and overseas markets; and play an integral role in unifying the area’s diverse producers to strengthen economic performance, attract further investment, create sustainable employment and promote regional pride.
Image: Craig Garret, GJ Freight, Anthony East, SFFC, and Paul Greenhalgh, GJ Freight, with Genuinely Southern Forests packaging at GJ Freight’s Manjimup depot.
For further information contact:
Bevan Eatts - SFFC Executive Chairman 0419 811 823 or email bevan@southernforestsfood.com
Paul Greenhalgh - GJ Freight
0429 311 999 or email
sales@gjfreight.com.au Craig Garratt – GJ Freight 0477 812 666 or email manjimup@gjfreight.com.au