The superfine, natural, plant-based, powders produced will reduce food waste and support Australia’s nut farming industries in creating a new, high-grade product for major global food processors.
On 26 February 2026 this week suppliers, customers and business stakeholders came have come together to celebrate a dream seven years in the making – the official launch of the Plenty Foods nut powder facility, to be opened by the State member for Nanango, the Hon Deb Frecklington MP, Attorney-General, Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity.
The commencement of production for this project means that food manufacturers across Australia importing almond, macadamia and peanut powders from overseas can now access a local product offering higher protein, lower fat, better flavour and improved functionality for next-generation food products. Josh Gadischke, Managing Director said, “This is the first time superfine powder technology has been applied to nut-based ingredients at commercial scale in Australia.”
Plenty Foods, an Australian producer best known for its cold-pressed and refined specialty oils, has now commenced producing a superfine, high protein nut powder – a new range of de-fatted nut powders developed specifically for the food manufacturing sector. Whilst there are plans in place for almond and macadamia flour/powders, peanut is the first line in production.
The facility, jointly funded by Plenty and the Australian and Queensland Governments, marks an Australian first, applying advanced superfine powder technology to nut-based ingredients, delivering a product that is outperforming the fat content of products currently being imported from the USA by a factor of five per cent.
Mr Gadischke mentioned, “Food manufacturers are demanding higher protein, cleaner labels and better functionality. This ingredient delivers all three using an Australian-made solution.”
Each powder is produced by gently roasting then pressing whole nuts and milling the remaining nut solids into a superfine powder, resulting in a lighter, fluffier ingredient with superior absorption and blending properties compared to standard ground nut flours.
Unlike traditional nut flours, which are higher in fat and behave more like a meal or heavy flour, Plenty’s superfine nut powders are designed to open new formulation possibilities across sports drinks and supplements, bakery, snacks and functional foods. There are also applications in gravies, sauces and coatings as well as vegan alternatives such as dairy-free ice cream.
“For decades, Plenty has specialised in extracting high-quality oils from nuts and seeds. With superfine nut powders, we’re taking that same core capability and unlocking more value from the nut, resulting in a zero-waste operation for us, and value-added products for the market,” said Josh Gadischke, Managing Director of Plenty Foods.
“Food manufacturers are under pressure to deliver cleaner labels, higher protein and better functionality. This ingredient is designed to help them do all three, using an Australian-made solution for the first time.”
FUNCTIONAL & NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS
Ben Horwood, Plenty Foods’ Sales Director says “Market response to this product has been strong, with engagement from leading players in food, beverage and nutrition manufacturing seeking high protein, plant-based ingredients that deliver both nutritional and functional advantages.
“This interest reflects a clear shift toward clean label, dairy free solutions that enable innovation across applications such as high protein nut spreads, powdered nutrition formats, functional snacks, bakery and ready to drink products. This highlights the relevance of superfine nut powders as a next generation ingredient for manufacturers developing products at scale.”
According to Plenty, the superfine nut powders offer a combination of nutritional and processing advantages, including:
• Higher protein levels (up to ~55 per cent depending on nut type)
• Reduced fat content compared to similar products
• Smooth, silky texture for improved dispersion and mouthfeel
• Vegan-friendly and all-natural, with no added ingredients
• Versatile functionality across baked goods, protein bars, extruded snacks, soups, coatings, shakes and ready-to-eat meals.
A comparative analysis shows Plenty’s de-fatted nut powders deliver significantly lower fat and higher protein than conventional nut flours, while enabling tighter crumb structure and improved absorption in finished products.
WHY IT MATTERS
For Australian nut growers and the horticultural sector, the launch represents a meaningful new value pathway. By converting nuts that have traditionally been regarded as a low value by-product, into a premium, export-ready ingredient, Plenty is generating additional demand and improved returns from each nut grown.
“This approach strengthens connections between growers and manufacturers, supports more resilient supply chains and maximises the value of locally grown produce” said Horwood.
“The range is underpinned by a zero-waste manufacturing model that reduces food loss, improves resource efficiency and delivers a high-performance ingredient aligned with the sustainability and provenance expectations of a modern food brand such as Plenty.
“Manufacturers and brand owners interested in exploring technical, commercial or product development opportunities are encouraged to contact us to discuss how superfine high-protein nut powders could support their next phase of innovation.”
While superfine powder technology is used internationally for other applications such as cocoa, Plenty says its use in nut-based powders at commercial scale represents a new frontier for Australian food manufacturing.
MANUFACTURING & CREDENTIALS
Plenty Foods has clocked up 40 years’ experience producing cold-pressed and refined oils for food, cosmetic and supplement markets, processing approximately 4,000 tonnes of nuts and seeds annually for both local and export customers.
The superfine nut powder range is produced using state-of-the-art equipment, leveraging by-products of the oil-pressing process to create a value-added ingredient while supporting more efficient resource use.
“We already extract high-quality oils. Now we are converting what was once a lower-value by-product into a premium food ingredient. That is smarter manufacturing, underpinning our zero waste goal.” Gadischke said. “We’ve been very ambitious with this product in terms of the quality we want to produce, but it’s also great to tick other boxes like zero waste for our facility and reducing food waste for farmers and the environment”.
“We’re investing in new technology to give manufacturers an ingredient that is more consistent from batch to batch, performs better, while supporting Australian growers and reducing reliance on imported alternatives”.
AUSTRALIAN MADE / SUPPLY STORY
Plenty’s superfine nut powders are made in Australia using locally sourced nuts, providing food manufacturers with a domestic, traceable alternative to imported nut powders at a time of increasing supply-chain scrutiny.
“Australian made” will also ensure fresher product with a longer shelf life and lower food miles for local manufacturers.
Mr Dadischke also added, “This investment reduces reliance on imports and gives manufacturers greater confidence around provenance, freshness and consistency.”
AVAILABILITY
Plenty’s superfine peanut powders are now launched, with additional varieties planned based on market demand.
Manufacturers interested in product trials or technical discussions are encouraged to contact Plenty directly for information around MOQ, sample size availability, technical datasheets.
ABOUT PLENTY FOODS
Plenty Foods is a 40-year established Australian-owned manufacturer specialising in cold-pressed and refined oils made from locally grown nuts and seeds. With a strong focus on quality, nutrition and innovation, Plenty supplies premium ingredients to food, cosmetic and health markets in Australia and internationally.
