About Us

A pioneer of the Australian freeze-drying industry, Forager Food Co. commenced operations in 2009 and has quickly grown to be the largest and most advanced manufacturer of freeze-dried products in Australia.

Forager Food Co. processes, dries, and package a diverse range of foods providing extended shelf life whilst protecting the most valuable and delicate ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, colours, and flavours.

We are proudly based in Tasmania, a region of Australia that has gained a reputation for being the ‘delicatessen of the world’. Where possible, we choose Tasmanian ingredients first, prized for their quality and grown in one of the world’s last great pristine environments, offering some of the purest air and water to be found anywhere.

Our production facilities at Red Hills and Western Junction in Tasmania’s north feature state-of-the-art freeze-drying capability and are supported by full-service manufacturing facilities, including ambient, chilled, and frozen storage, food processing, packing, despatch, and logistics services.

Forager Food Co’s technical and processing team is led by John Ranicar who is also director and founded the business in 2009 along with his wife, Sophie. John has passionately honed his craft, with over 30 years of experience across the food and agricultural industries, including production through to manufacturing, from aquaculture to dairy. He is considered one of Australia’s preeminent experts in freeze-drying process and technology.

With co-director Jonty Barnett, who brings an extensive background in food distribution and marketing, Forager Food Co. is committed to helping growers and food manufacturers capture the full value of their products through preservation.

Forager Food Co. works with some of Australia’s leading growers, manufacturers and wholesalers, providing a range of products and services.