Plenty Foods Opens $22M High-Protein Peanut Powder Factory in Kingaroy
A new $22 million factory in Kingaroy, Queensland, is turning second-grade peanuts into a high-value, protein-rich powder, signalling a major boost for the local industry.
The New Facility
Plenty Foods, a nut oil processor based in Kingaroy, Queensland, opened its new high-protein peanut powder factory in February 2025. The facility represents a $22 million investment in the local economy.
The factory uses an imported press that is the only one of its kind in Australia to process locally grown peanuts that are blemished or split—classified as second grade.
The Product
The factory produces a superfine, low-fat, high-protein powder with a 55% protein content. It is designed for high dissolvability, making it suitable for a range of food manufacturing applications.
Market Context and Growth Plans
According to Josh Gadischke, managing director of Plenty Foods, protein demand is a major trend in food manufacturing. The company has built the factory with capacity for ten years of growth.
"We have built the factory with capacity for ten years of growth."
The company plans to increase its workforce from 40 to 100 employees as operations expand.
Sales Strategy
Sales are targeting two key markets:
- Domestic food manufacturers: As a locally grown import replacement.
- Export markets, particularly India: Gadischke identifies India as having a large vegetarian and protein-deficient population, presenting a strong opportunity for the product.
Industry Response
Local peanut grower Trevor Campbell expressed optimism that increased demand for peanut powder could raise peanut prices.
Daniel Cook, general manager of Crumpton family businesses (growers, roasters, shellers), confirmed they can increase supply if needed.
Political Support
Queensland Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said the factory provides confidence to local peanut growers about the end use for their product. This follows a decline in the local peanut industry due to competition from imports and changing rainfall patterns.
"This provides confidence to local peanut growers about the end use for their product."