A Mullaley-based linseed business is set to conquer Asian markets after recent trade negotiations with a Malaysian supermarket.
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Lively Linseed Products, a family enterprise run by owner-operators Jacqui and Chris Donoghue, has grown exponentially since its launch in 2007.
The linseed products are now exported around the world including Hong Kong, China, Taiwan
Currently exporting to Hong Kong, China, Taiwan and Singapore, the business aims to break into the Brunei, Dubai, Indian and Malaysian markets. Jacqui negotiates all trade deals “to cut out the middle men from the farm gate to the consumer.”
“Basically what I do is, I search certain stores that would suit our product and then I ring them,” she said.
“We recently exhibited at Gulfood, which is the biggest food expo in the world, which was in Dubai – quite a few leads have come from that exhibition. That will hopefully also give us a supermarket chain through the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and India. I've been chasing a store in Malaysia and we are currently in negotiations with them.
“Basically we have made a presentation, they have interest, they are reviewing the product catalogue and discussing with their buying team on whether it would suit their store and customers.
“I'd like to encourage other rural producers to do what I'm doing. A lot of rural women are under utilised – their resources. The drawback in the food industry is the price of machinery, your capital outlay for a product that may not take off – it’s a risk you have to take.”
It’s a risk that has paid off for Jacqui’s family, as they watch their business expand with the investment in more machinery to fast track orders.
Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce president Mike Broekman said Jacqui has shown initiative in value adding their business.
“In the way she has approached her farm enterprise as a family and the way that she has looked at the potential for export markets within her products, with very little encouragement – it shows a lot of ingenuity to make sure they future proof their farming business and value add to their products,” Mr Broekman said.