Costa has been awarded $1.2 million in funding from the Federal and State Governments Tasmanian Jobs and Investment Fund to undertake a multi-million dollar project which will expand and upgrade Costa’s East Devonport distribution centre and modified atmosphere facility, allowing the Company to increase its capacity to pack, store and ship a greater volume of its Tasmanian grown berries.
The works will include installation of new and additional refrigeration and fast cooling equipment, packing and transportation infrastructure, including loading docks.
The increased capacity will also enable Costa to invest in expanding its local berry production, with additional hectares of berries to be planted locally over the next four years.
The investment which will be undertaken over the next 12 to 18 months will create sustainable jobs, with up to 130 full time equivalent jobs being created. Of these jobs, 25 to 30 will be created in the distribution centre, with the remainder across the berry farms.
“The primary objective of this project is to expand our berry production capacity in Tasmania. Costa will undertake new plantings of blackberries, blueberries, strawberries and raspberries. Tasmania is the only location where we grow all four berry varieties,” said Costa CEO, Harry Debney
Costa also markets berries on behalf of six North West Tasmanian third party growers for our Driscolls Australia Joint Venture. These growers will directly benefit from the investment in the distribution centre and modified atmosphere facility.
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