The machines run a little faster these days at the Provedore cheese factory in Melbourne’s Broadmeadows. During the pandemic, production has barely kept up with rising demand.
“I am very proud of our growth. But the biggest problem is we can't make enough cheese, especially for export sales,” says Italian-born Alfonso Inglese, 78.
“We have a good products, we've always had good products,” he adds.
Alfonso Inglese (right) at the Melbourne factory Credit: SBS / Scott Cardwell
From a humble start in the garage of a suburban home the venture has grown steadily in recent decades, as more Australians embraced Italian styles including mozzarella and bocconcini.
The company is now a major player in Australia’s speciality cheese sector, supplying a wide range of high-quality Mediterranean styles as well as yoghurt, dips and fruit-flavoured cream cheese.
Provedore's Italian styles are popular Credit: SBS / Scott Cardwell
Diversification is one of many changes Mr Inglese has seen over the decades, but the one constant is growth.
“On an average day we process about 80,000 liters of milk, that is delivered early every morning,” says Fernando Machado, Provdeore Group’s Director of International Sales and Marketing.
“And we are certainly growing that year-on-year, which a great result considering the impacts of COVID-19 on local restaurants and supply chains.”
Workers at Provedore Group in Melbourne Credit: SBS / Scott Cardwell
“Export sales have grown reasonably well during COVID, particularly in Northern Asia, Japan and South Korea and China, and also in Hong Kong and in Singapore,” he says.
“The great thing about Asia is the huge population.
“It may be that only a small quantity of people actually eat cheese, but it's still huge number compared with some of the other markets that we look at.”
Fernando Machado (left) with Alfonso Inglese Credit: SBS / Scott Cardwell
“Sending our fresh mozzarella products from Australia, we land it in Jakarta in seven hours, versus 15 or 16 hours out of Italy.”
Growth is not just international – Australian sales are rising too.
“Supermarket sales remain strong for us. Many people overseas and in Australia are sitting at home, and tending to eat a little bit more,” Mr Machado says.
Even so, local staffing remains a challenge.
“It's an Australia wide problem. Our factory in Sydney, for instance, is running at about 50 per cent of its staffing requirements.
“So that has reduced our output, which is obviously something that we're working on, to try and resolve quickly as we can.”
Mr Machado is among many Australian exporters adapting to changing conditions, with support from Australia's international trade promotion and investment agency Austrade.
“Austrade has been fundamental, in the growth of our export business,” Mr Machado says.
Fernando Machado (left) with Austrade's Paul Kenna Credit: SBS / Scott Cardwell
“We work closely with Provedore to help prioritize markets directly, and connect them to new business opportunities in those markets,” says Global Engagement Manager Paul Kenna.
“Our vast global networks are crucial during a period of time when international travel has been limited,” he says.
Austrade has also helped secure a new export relationship in Japan – with sales expected to return one million dollars annually.
Austrade's Paul Kenna (left) with Provedore Group's Fernando Machado Credit: SBS / Scott Cardwell
“Doing business directly with the supermarket chain is always beneficial, as the product ends up on shelf at a better price point.”
Paul Kenna says Australia has a great reputation in Asia as a ‘clean, green manufacturer of food products' which is crucial in discerning markets like Japan.
Provedore's fruit-flavoured cream cheese is expected to be a top seller in Japan.
“Our range of products is quite unique. And they don't compete directly with products coming out of Europe,” Mr Machado says.
“So we found a little bit of a niche and some success up there that we're very happy about.”
