Gather Foods on the road to being a global food supply business

In 2016, Gerry Matera and Adam and Marissa Bielawski from Perth wanted to take control of the Native Foods narrative in Australia.

‘First Nations people and businesses are significantly underrepresented in the food manufacturing industry,’ Gerry said.

Enter, Gather Foods – a multi-disciplinary food company that delivers an uncompromisingly high-quality product across every tier of the business.

In the last five years, their majority Aboriginal-owned and led company has developed a broad reach: from contract and food manufacturing to retail and a corporate catering service. And at its heart is professionalism, integrity and a love of the food business.

‘We believe food connects us all and we invite everyone to come to the table. We now have one product in Coles and 15 in all the IGA and Good Grocer stores across WA,’ Gerry said.

‘Our brands include Gather Foods, Black Pig Deli & Co, Poach Pear and Flying Cow.’

Gather Foods employs 20 people full-time, 7 of whom are Aboriginal, with roles including a butcher’s apprentice, which is a trade that would not normally attract Aboriginal people.

Like many small businesses, getting taken seriously in the food services sector was very difficult. Gather Foods found that dedication, persistence and hard work was the only way forward.

‘We have seen growth year on year as customers, corporates, clients and the business community learnt about our business, products and food quality,’ Gerry said.

Their 10-year goal is to become a global food supply company. While there is no single factor in reaching that lofty goal one thing is for sure – you can’t do it alone.

Gerry said that Wirra Hub has played a crucial role in developing Gather Foods’ marketing.

‘This was something that we lacked. Wirra Hub worked with us one on one to develop a Marketing Strategy for our business, which included e-commerce, branding and a communication strategy,’ he said.

‘Also, it’s great being a certified supplier with Supply Nation. It provides assurances to our clients and customers that we are Aboriginal owned and led.’

‘Taking control of the native food movement in Australia is a high priority for Gather Foods, enabling us to create, develop and distribute our products around the globe. Having access to Supply Nation Members makes the interaction authentic and meaningful with lasting engagement outcomes.’

In the last 5 years, much has been learned. Firstly, whilst diversification was essential through COVID it was also important to understand that the core business needed to be protected and maintained in order to ensure quality control.

‘In the last 8 months we have diversified into manufacturing a whole range of native inspired charcuterie products – a first for Australia,’ Gerry said.

‘We are also looking at waste, energy, packaging and water usage to ensure that as we grow we are looking after country and the planet, and to ensure we have as little impact on climate change as possible.’

Finally, a company that doesn’t learn, especially about itself and its products, can never be a global player, nor can those who own and manage it.

‘The more I focus on my own authenticity and truths (who am I) the more success comes my way,’ Gerry said.