From Woodburn to the World: New Oh! for OzHarvest range launches, turning waste into taste
Woodburn, a regional community hub in New South Wales has taken centre stage in the fight against food waste, with local lemons from a Woodburn citrus farm showcased at the launch of a new and innovative upcycled food and beverage range from OzHarvest Ventures, the social enterprise entity linked to Australia’s leading food rescue organisation, OzHarvest.
The brand-new Oh! for OzHarvest range, including Oh! Lemonaid, Oh! Jams and Oh! Chilli, was officially launched on the property of Woodburn farmer Rob McLean, whose imperfect lemons are at the heart of the pioneering product.
Rob McLean has farmed citrus on his Rocky Mouth Creek property for more than 20 years and has seen his crops battered by repeated floods. Due to the imperfections of his lemons, he was seeing tonnes of wastage.
Rob McLean, Woodburn citrus farmer (Credit: New Heights Media)
“I’ve lived on this property for over two decades and seen eight floods during that time. Our region has been through a lot, especially in the last floods we suffered a lot of damage and our community is still recovering. More than half of my lemon and citrus trees were damaged from the 2022 floods. Food outlets were no longer interested in my lemons, because they were simply not perfect.”
“I called many businesses to see if they could purchase my lemons and I donated what I could to charity. Now, thanks to OzHarvest Ventures, those lemons now have a new life - people are enjoying them in Oh! Lemonaid. Knowing that each time someone drinks it, OzHarvest can feed someone in need, that brings me so much joy. Also knowing that it is now served in one of the best hotels in Australia – Capella Sydney, it gives me the tingles!”
The new Oh! for OzHarvest food and drinks range is crafted from surplus produce that would otherwise be wasted. Every can, jar and bottle sold supports farmers like Rob, saves fresh ingredients from landfill, and funds a nourishing meal for someone in need through OzHarvest.
OzHarvest Founder Ronni Kahn AO said launching in the Northern Rivers was especially meaningful.
“This community has been through so much, yet it continues to show its strength, continuing to grow and provide produce, to nourish all of us. To launch Oh! Lemonaid right here at the source, with Rob’s lemons surrounding us, is a celebration of resilience, local farming, and the power of community,” she said.
OzHarvest Ventures partnered with Second Squeeze, a company that transforms surplus produce into new products. Co-Founder Michael Paull, a former food scientist working for large-scale food manufacturers has been obsessed with solving food waste since witnessing the huge volumes of waste in the industry.
Oh! Lemonaid creators Second Squeeze & OzHarvest Venture: L-R Brent Beauchamp, Louise Tran, Michael Paull, Rob McLean (Credit: New Heights Media)
“We take what others overlook and turn it into flavour worth celebrating. It’s proof that waste can be reimagined into something delicious, innovative and good for the planet. When OzHarvest Ventures came to us with an idea to turn unloved lemons into lemonade, we said absolutely, and now we’re proud to launch Oh! Lemonaid in three delicious flavours,” said Michael, co-founder of Second Squeeze.
The Oh! for OzHarvest range can be found at selected cafés, venues and online at shop.ozharvest.org
With every sip, spread and splash, the Northern Rivers is helping lead the way in showing that food is too precious to waste.
For more product information visit: www.ozharvest.ventures
Stockists: Oh! Life-Changing Lemonaid, Oh! Jams and Oh! Chilli Sauce are available at selected venues and cafes, distributors and on-premise.
The full Oh! range can be purchased online at shop.ozharvest.org available for national delivery.
Oh! Lemonaid by OzHarvest Ventures range (Credit: New Heights Media)
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For media enquiries: media@ozharvest.org
Wholesale enquiries: sales@ozharvest.ventures
