November 2023
My PlantCo – a Western Australia-based innovation and sustainability company, has been selected – out of a national field of competitors – as the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC)’s oat commercialisation partner. This landmark Oat Collaboration will see the processing of first-to-market products of Oat Rice, Oat Noodle and Oat Pasta, and make WA the leading value add manufacturer for this in-demand crop.
Real Oats – a WA subsidiary company of My PlantCo responsible for managing this commercialisation – officially announced the partnership with AEGIC in an event officiated by The Hon Jackie Jarvis – Minister for Agriculture and Food; Forestry; Small Business – further underscoring the significance of this collaboration.
Mei Yong, CEO of My PlantCo and Real Oats, commented on the exciting opportunity that is now poised for Australian Oats to take a major part in the multi-billion global oat market through the introduction of first-of-its-kind staple food products and establishment of value-add manufacturing.
“The changing lifestyle of consumers, including the decision to opt for lighter and healthier meals, has been driving the demand for oats, and we have seen US-based companies such as Kelloggs and Quakers take on the major share of the global Oat Market, and newcomers such as Oatly, entering the market with a more diverse oat product – oat milk,” said Mei.
“Whilst Western Australia enjoys a strong reputation as a high-quality oat producer, we export up to 39% of our crop due to a lack of processing and manufacturing facilities, leaving North America and Europe as major market shareholders.”
“Our landmark Oat Collaboration with AEGIC will change this dynamic, through the processing of Australian Oats into more than just breakfast foods. Instead we’re delivering the world’s first Oat Rice and Noodle, that will appeal to all households due to its health benefits of lowering cholesterol, managing lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and weight management through its low carbs profiles. Imagine being able to have oats now for lunch, dinner and snacks!”
“Secondly our plans to build up oats specific value add manufacturing and processing will promote and retain value capture for Australian economic diversification, local jobs and local innovation staying local.”
Courtney Draper, Executive General Manager at AEGIC, explained that the Centre has dedicated a number of years to developing oat rice and oat pasta/noodle products as part of its research, innovation and knowledge-building efforts to advance the Australian grains industry. After a rigorous nationwide search, AEGIC identified Real Oats as its preferred commercialisation partner.
Real Oats’ established expertise in new product processing and value-add manufacturing – which began 15 years ago with their other sustainable food innovation subsidiary, Turban Chopsticks – make them a strong partner for delivering these new, revolutionary and super competitive Australian Oats products.
“This started when our analysis identified strong growth in demand for Australian Oats. To capitalise on the opportunity, we invested in a dedicated oats laboratory to create
innovative, value-added oat foods. A few years down the track, it’s fantastic to see the
research comes to fruition,” said Courtney.
Real Oats plans to bring Oat Rice, Noodle and Pasta to supermarket shelves and into households throughout Australia and Asia Pacific regions by mid-2024 and globally after.
“We are now preparing to seize the unique opportunity that this landmark Oat Collaboration offers. Our initial steps include establishing a new, larger site dedicated to oat processing, then commercialising Real Oats Rice, Noodles and Pasta for world markets, all whilst remaining committed to the sustainable, linked prosperity and innovation philosophies of My PlantCo,” said Mei.
For more information: realoats.com.au
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Petra Vanessie, Ava Agency, petra@avaagency.com.au
About My PlantCo
My PlantCo is a Western Australian based innovation company, with a global sales and market footprint, through its three distinct brands and subsidiaries – Real Oats, Kado and Turban Chopsticks.
My PlantCo brands are sustainable value-add operations which retain a deep connection to WA farmers and ultimately aim to nourish customers, with healthy and convenient consumer choices and our planet with responsible sustainable practices.
About Real Oats
Real Oats is a subsidiary of My PlantCo, focused on revolutionising Australian oats by pushing boundaries and fostering innovation. The company has an overarching goal of advancing healthy and sustainable food environments.
Real Oats implements its mission by processing oats into a wholesome, trendy, and eco-conscious food staple for households worldwide and developing value-add manufacturing for oat products to ensure local innovation stays local.
Backed by a partnership with AEGIC, Real Oats is pioneering a unique diversification approach to elevate Australian oats as the go-to choice for health-conscious consumers across the globe.
