MOJO Beverages has launched a new bottling line worth over $1 million dollars. It aims to increase its kombucha production and create 10 new jobs in the region, as well as numerous training and upskilling opportunities for existing employees.
The beverage company said in a statement, it comes off the back of the SA producer launching a new probiotic beverage range – MOJO Tonic – stocked in Woolworths nationally since January.
MOJO is a family-owned business crafting the fermented tea drink, kombucha, since 2010. CEO and co-founder Anthony Crabb said the expansion was exciting news for the company, which would continue its hands-on approach to its beverages.
“Our small team based at Willunga will continue to craft MOJO Kombucha using the same living culture which we began with,” Crabb said. “The new machinery will give us the opportunity to meet increasing demand across Australian grocery markets, as well as explore opportunities in markets such as Singapore, Hong Kong and China. In addition, in January this year we became certified by Safe Quality Food, a Global Food Safety Initiative. This is an independently audited, world-recognised standard and we’re proud to be the only Australian kombucha producer certified to this level.”
The drinks company also said the new line is comprised of a labeller, rinser, filler and capper – an entire and complete unit, which was installed by Australian agent FB Propak. It is predicted to increase the total production volume of MOJO products by 130% – with the goal of 13 million bottles per year to be reached in the next 12-18 months. The new line is housed at their production facility in Willunga, South Australia.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries and member for Mawson Leon Bignell officially launched the line and said it was a great addition to our thriving food and drinks sector.
“MOJO is a fantastic success story for both the region and South Australia as a whole,” Bignell said. “This local company was on the forefront of fermented beverages before they were cool and the health benefits of probiotics were well known – and [it] continues to lead the way with this new expansion. This region has an incredible food, wine, beer, cider and spirits culture and it’s great to add MOJO’s kombucha and tonics to the line-up when promoting our region to the rest of Australia and the world.”
MOJO Beverages include MOJO Crafted Kombucha, MOJO Classic Kombucha and new MOJO Tonic. The drinks’ ambassadors includes marathon runner Jess Trengove and AFLW star Erin Phillips.
MOJO is sold nationwide including Woolworths, IGA, Foodland, Aldi and Costco. It includes also local health food stores, organic markets, cafes and restaurants.
