January 6, 2012
The Covino family have provided local Federal MP Darren Chester and his State Parliamentary colleague Damian Drum an insight into the farm-fresh ready-to-eat food market during a tour of their Seaspray farm and production facility.
Mr Drum, who is the State Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development, was visiting the business as part of a tour of the 50 most prominent businesses in Victoria.
Mr Chester said the visit was a good opportunity for Mr Drum to learn more about the importance of one of the State’s biggest horticultural businesses to the Gippsland economy.
The business employs over 200 people with the number expected to reach beyond 250 in 2012.
“Covino Farms Produce is a large supplier of both farm-fresh ready-to-eat meals and salad products to major supermarkets and fast food outlets,” Mr Chester said.
“The business has over 70 different lines of product which are distributed right up the eastern seaboard and to South Australia. When you buy salads at fast food restaurants, there’s a very good chance it’s been produced locally.
“The Covino family have worked hard to establish a strong and successful business model and see a bright future for their company in Gippsland.”
Mr Drum said the Victorian Government would work with regional businesses to help them grow.
“As a government which is focussed on the regions, we’re intent on helping successful businesses across regional Victoria which have a commitment to their community to expand,” Mr Drum said.
“Covino Farms is one of many businesses across regional Victoria which has strong foundations and is looking for further opportunities to grow.
“These companies have identified the challenges in front of them and the Victorian Coalition Government is committed to working through them to help them to create new job opportunities and investment in local economies across regional Victoria.”