Coolibah Herbs - Masters of Mesclun

Coolibah Herbs was formed some thirty years ago by Michael and Jenny Bogicevic and commenced operations in Pearcedale on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria. Its evolution was the natural progression of an enterprising market gardening business and began initially growing a variety of vegetables and flowers on 45 acres (18 hectares) to be sold via the wholesale markets in Melbourne. Coolibah Herbs now owns outlets in both of the wholesale markets of Melbourne and Sydney and also sells to other customers throughout Australia and for export.

Approximately ten years ago, the development of a new product line, Mesclun Salad Mix began.

This was a novel and appetizing combination of several different types of young lettuce leaves and Asian greens with high market appeal. To produce the amount of varieties necessary and to allow for the rapid rotation of crops with a very short harvest cycle, an adjoining farm was purchased.

It was quickly recognised that to keep pace with increasing demand, production techniques and equipment needed to be continually modernised, a principle which is still adhered to today.

Market sales expanded rapidly and land for cultivation became the issue and by 1995 the demand for Coolibah Herbs’ produce resulted in the purchase of additional acreage near Mildura on the Victorian/NSW border. This strategic decision provided the business with a geographically diverse production option and allowed it not only to increase volume, but to supply some produce slightly out of season.

Coolibah Herbs has now in excess of 1,200 acres (486 hectares) under cultivation, allowing us to maintain supply continuity 12 months a year, a very important service to our Customers.

To further cope with increasing production and sales, a new multi-million dollar automated processing facility and cool room was built on the main property in Pearcedale. A state of the art wash line and dual centrifuge system ensures that all produce is cleaned, washed and excess moisture removed before packing. This has resulted in a consistently superior product of the highest quality. Indeed, Coolibah Herbs has gained SQF 2000 Quality Code accreditation for the production, washing and packing of Mesclun Salad Mixes Spinach Roquette and Herbs.

A schedule of the Coolibah Herbs products displays over 150 varieties of salad greens in production or on trial, including product grown in the farms Nursery area. All products are washed, the main salad lines now being triple washed creating a premium product whilst retaining volume production.

A highly organised production methodology is required to produce this range of crops continuously throughout the year within the criteria of our quality assurance manual. The produce arrives in the pack-house and has to be in perfect condition, or it is rejected, hence the reason why Coolibah Herbs are rated the best salad producers in Australia.

With salad lines being so popular in recent times, the business has concentrated in this area, while recognising other lines have continued to be in demand. This has been addressed with the increased capacity and efficiency of the new pack-house, which will enable a broader production approach to increase our supply of baby Spinach and culinary herbs, particularly for the restaurant market.