Company: The Audacious Agency
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Nomination Category: Company / Organization Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Company of the Year - Manufacturing - Small
 Nomination Title: KURRAJONG KITCHEN
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes in length about the achievements of the nominated organization since 1 January 2020, OR written answers to the questions for this category? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the nominated video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this first question: Briefly describe the nominated organization: its history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Total 193 words used.
Kurrajong Kitchen was built from an investment of $3,500; starting as a hobby almost 30 years ago, baking Lavosh Flatbread in Karen Lebsanft's small restaurant in 1993 serving it on cheese plates. She brought this product to the Australian consumer and it now sits in pantries across the nation as a must-have staple when entertaining. Kurrajong Kitchen celebrates 30 years in Australian manufacturing next year. Kurrajoing Kitchen quickly observed that our orders will always be sold out very fast. They increased capacity and the orders increased. As they brought new team members on board, expanded their process, quickly became one of the significant manufacturing companies in Australia. Kurrajoing supports Australian wheat farmers and manufacturing and now manufacture over 750,000 pieces of Lavosh per day, served by chefs across the country and purchased at all major supermarkets, specialty food stores, and Amazon. The Lavosh is in high demand - immensely popular because it is made according to the proper traditional recipe, it is a legitimate cultural treasure. As a family recipe, and a business that is family-owned, we have built our success on delivering a delicious product that people want to buy.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this second question: Outline the organization's achievements since the beginning of 2020 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Total 245 words used.
Kurrajong Kitchen is an iconic brand, producing 750,000 pieces per day, served by chefs across the country and purchased at all major supermarkets, specialty food stores and Amazon. Awarded the Manufacturing Modernisation Fund of over $300,000, and global accreditation sees food safety and quality measured at its highest, backed by independent accreditations enabling global distribution - New Zealand, Singapore, Indonesia and Fiji. Throughout COVID-19, Kurrajong adapted additional standards above the globally accredited food safety standards. They maintained significant employment despite a significant decline from COVID - 32% of the business supplied to restaurants, cafes, and events - market demand for home delivery and online shop creation for direct purchase partially offset some of the lost sales. New individual serve products have been created and are releasing to market in September 2020 to account for the desire of the consumer to have their own pack to eat. New products addressing the consumers desire for more plant-based products were brought to market. The export market grew with the introduction of a new cutting and forming line delivered two years earlier than planned thanks to the acquisition of a government grant.
Kurrajong Kitchen is a multi million dollar company and significantly increase turnover last year by meeting market demand and bringing new products to the existing market. Local ingredients with not less than 85% Australian is integral to the manufacturing process ensuring the product continues its path of the original quality, being baked in the restaurant.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this third question: Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the organization's past performance (up to 250 words):
Total 218 words used.
By employing a high percentage of women in Kurrajong Kitchen, they demonstrate to the manufacturing industry the power of a female leadership team, particularly considering the ongoing success of the business. Integral to the success of the business is the company culture; 36% of full-time staff have held long time employment of 12 years+. Securing global accreditations in food safety standards (SQF) including a traceable and quality assured supply chain and encouraging research and development strategy and leadership, has opened new markets and channels which contribute to sustainable growth.
In a competitive space, Kurrajong Kitchen, under the leadership of Karen Lebsanft has proven over the past 30 years that women in manufacturing are making a huge impact in the industry. Kurrajong Kitchen outs people ahead of profits - many of the people who work for them have done so for over 12 years. This a huge level of dedication and valued for how many years of their lives our team members have given us. In return, we Kurrajong gives fair wages, fair chances at promotion, and support women in their roles as caregivers and family providers, valuing creativity and nurturing talent. By investing in people, Kurrajong have an entire team of staff that treat this business like it's their own, growing its success and moving the company forward.
- You have the option to answer this final question: Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
Total 18 words used.
The support document attached outlines the key achievements of Kurrajong and Karen Lebsanft - the founder and CEO.
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