Ballarat food brand wins state backing to build manufacturing hub
Exotic Bazaar is run by Iranian-Australian Gilava Pour. The company is building a manufacturing plant in Ballarat with Victorian state funding. The project will create 18 jobs.
Exotic Bazaar won state funding for a manufacturing, packaging and warehousing facility in Ballarat. Gilava Pour founded the Middle Eastern and North African food brand.
She started it in a Brisbane home kitchen in 2019. The brand now stocks products in 200 Coles supermarkets across the country.
The expansion will create 18 local jobs. It will let the company bring production in-house.
Pour says the investment is crucial. It gives her back control from interstate contractors.
These contractors currently blend and package her recipes. The plant will open between February and March 2027.
The Victorian Investment Fund backs the project. It is part of a broader $50 million regional development program.
- 2019
- Founded
- 200
- Coles stores stocking brand
- 18
- Jobs created
- 50 million dollars
- Regional development program
Why it mattersA growing Australian food brand moved manufacturing to a regional city. This creates jobs. It shows how regional investment can help businesses grow.
AustraliaBallarat gains a new manufacturing employer and 18 jobs, strengthening the city's food production sector which already generates over $600 million annually.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
