DryBank
Freeze-drying-as-a-service (FDAAS) for Coffs Harbour growers.
How it works
DryBank is a processing service, not a produce buyer. You bring your own produce, choose the cut size, portion size and packaging, and receive finished freeze-dried product with your own custom labels. Processing and packaging is charged per kilogram. You keep ownership of your produce throughout.
Step 1: Bring your produce.
Step 2: Choose cut size and packaging.
Step 3: Receive custom-labelled freeze-dried product.
Packaged to last
Product is packed in mylar bags with oxygen absorbers. Correctly processed and packed dry goods can store for 25+ years.
Shelf life depends on the product being correctly processed and packed.
What suits freeze-drying
Good candidates
- Carrots
- Peas
- Corn
- Beans
- Broccoli
- Capsicum
- Herbs
- Berries
- Apple slices
Poorer candidates
- High-fat foods
- Lettuce
- Citrus segments
- Cucumber
- Avocado
For reliable drying, pieces should be no thicker than about 1 to 2 cm.
What it can mean for growers
Seconds and surplus produce can become a shelf-stable product that can be sold year-round, instead of being discounted or wasted.
Freeze-drying would not replace selling fresh; it adds a second value stream for oversupply and fruit the fresh market doesn't want.
The DryBank food bank
Surplus produce donated by growers is freeze-dried at cost or free and stored as shelf-stable food. Unlike fresh donations that expire within days, it keeps.
We are looking at partnerships and grant pathways for this part of DryBank.
DryBank is in development. Register your interest and tell us what you grow.
Grower enquiry