In this section:

Archived Media Releases

Funding boost for fruit juice maker

15 June 2010

A Riverland fruit juice company, Charlie's Group Australia (CGA), has received a State Government grant of almost $120,000 to help with plans to increase its production capacity.

Regional Development Minister Michael O'Brien says the grant, from the Regional Development Infrastructure Fund (RDIF), means more local people will be employed and more local fruit will be purchased.

Mr O'Brien says CGA is enjoying increased demand for its products, which are sold interstate and in New Zealand under the labels Charlie's and Phoenix Organics.

"The proposed expansion will increase the number of full-time employees by eight positions to between 20 and 23, and increase the value of purchased fruit to $3.4 million by 2011-12," Mr O'Brien says.

"The company plans to increase its blending and chilling capability, install a bulk packing line, a glass bottling line and a laboratory, so requires nearly a threefold increase in electrical supply to underpin these initiatives.

"This involves the installation of a 750 kVA transformer, underground cables and main distribution board at a total cost of $239,474.

"Charlie's has already invested close to $2 million in its processing facility in Renmark."

Mr O'Brien says the Regional Development Infrastructure Fund plays an important role in helping to meet a number of South Australia's Strategic Plan targets for regional jobs, investment and export earnings.

For 2009-10, the State Government has committed around $2 million to 12 projects that will generate an estimated 253 jobs, with a total investment of approximately $62 million.