Being a local manufacturer is no easy task for snacks maker Sun Health Foods.
The Victorian company was established in 1980 and supplies stock to major supermarkets, petrol and convenience stores in Australia.
Staff numbers have dropped from 48 employees to 20 over the last few years due to international competition but it is making a concerted bid to turn that around.
Managing Director Theodore Andriopoulos hopes a number of new initiatives will attract customer support.
“Innovation is our only hope for survival in the future, I think,” Andriopoulos says.
“Being a local manufacturer is extremely hard, probably harder now than it has ever been.”
The small business, which makes around 100 different nut and protein bars, is investing in its services, having recently moved to a new $3 million location in Moorabbin.
It uses five freight forwarders to deliver the 15 million bars made annually.
It is also is rebranding its product by introducing the Australian flag on its packaging.
The company generates around $10 million in annual sales and is exploring export opportunities after being awarded an $11,500 Victorian Government Grow Your Business grant.
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