Woolworths rebrands Beak & Johnston select assets as The Kitchenary
Australian grocer Woolworths has rebranded certain assets of Beak & Johnston under a new identity - The Kitchenary.
The move follows regulatory clearance from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and New Zealand's Commerce Commission for Woolworths' acquisition of Beak & Johnston in April.
The rebranded business, previously operating as B & J The Kitchen, brings together a suite of local convenience food brands under one consolidated identity.
These brands include Strength Meals, Simmone Logue, Pasta Master and Artisano.
While Beak & Johnston will continue to operate independently from its Greenacre facility, focusing on producing slow-cooked meats, the B&J New Zealand and B&J The Kitchen at Arndell Park will transition to The Kitchenary.
The Kitchenary was launched at the Arndell Park production facility in Western Sydney, the company said in a statement.
According to the company, it produces over 800,000 chilled and frozen meals weekly, supplying markets across Australia and New Zealand.
The Kitchenary CEO Ray Hanly said: 'This is more than a name change. It's a launchpad for what's next.
'With the strength of our brands, our people and the backing of Woolworths, we're well placed to lead the next chapter in Australian food manufacturing."
Now fully owned by Woolworths, The Kitchenary forms part of the retailer's 'long-term investment in local food manufacturing'.
As the 'largest' ready meal manufacturing facility in the Southern Hemisphere, the Arndell Park site features 'highly automated' production systems, including dedicated lines for lasagne and pastry products, it said.
Hanly said: 'The scale and complexity of our operations often go unseen, but they're absolutely central to our ability to deliver consistent, high-quality meals.
'From our lasagne lines to our pastry production, our team brings deep expertise and an unwavering commitment to food quality and safety.'
The company added that an undisclosed investment is underway in areas such as the company's "capabilities", product development, and customer engagement across Australia and New Zealand.
"Woolworths rebrands Beak & Johnston select assets as The Kitchenary" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand.
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