Our Story
Deep in the heart of Queensland’s Darling Downs, the organic farming revolution sprang from an earnest desire to grow chemical free, nutrient rich food in a sustainable way. This passionate group of farmers recognised soil vitality was the key to farming that provides for future generations. The organic farm “Kialla”, on the outskirts of Toowoomba, was the inspiration for Kialla Pure Foods’ name.
From its inception in 1988, Kialla Pure Foods was one of the founding members of today’s organic movement. In our first year of operation, these organic pioneers held an inaugural ‘open day’ at Kialla to share their philosophy with fellow farmers looking for a healthier more sustainable way to farm. A modest crowd of perhaps 200 was expected on the day. However, by lunch time thousands had descended upon Kialla via the small country roads around the little town of Greenmount, 20kms from Toowoomba – resulting in the area’s first traffic jam. Those that eventually made it to site were greeted from an impromptu stage: the humble roof of a station wagon from which organisers addressed the crowd. The industry traces its roots from the outpouring of interest on that day, in the midst of the lush wheat fields of Kialla. It’s immortalised forever as the day the organic movement found its voice, its people and its impetus to become what it is today.
Since that time the Kialla business has grown both in scale and capability, and our brand has become an organic icon to informed cooks and artisan bakers alike, not only in Australia but also in many overseas markets. In 2006 Kialla Pure Foods was purchased by Quentin and Michelle Kennedy, themselves farmers and committed organic supporters. The Kennedys, with the dedicated support of the entire Kialla team, continue to steward the business in to the future.
Today, Kialla Pure Foods’ same commitment and passion remains: to produce a real difference in our communities by making delicious healthy food possible through a sustainable and transparent food chain.
Why Organic?
At Kialla we’re committed to organic food because we recognise that our whole food system is connected: soil, plants, animals, food, people and the environment.
We partner with dedicated certified organic farmers who produce food cleanly and sustainably without the use of chemicals and pesticides. They work with nature using traditional methods and modern research to maintain biodiversity and soil fertility. These farming methods are often labour intensive but reflect the true cost of natural food production.
The use of ‘quick-fix’ chemical solutions like pesticides and herbicides may increase crop yields in the short term, but they introduce toxic chemicals into our bodies and have a dramatic impact on the quality of our soils. Ultimately, this results in higher costs to our health and threatens the future of our food systems.
Consumers are increasingly aware that what we eat makes a difference to our well-being. A growing body of scientific research shows that organic food has higher levels of nutrients and antioxidants because it is grown in healthy, nutrient balanced soils. Certified Organic is also guaranteed non-GMO and free from any synthetic chemicals, so you can be assured that you’re feeding your body with the best food possible.
That is why we believe that the food we eat matters, and it’s why we choose organic…
Organic food is good for you, good for farmers and good for our planet.
Kialla is proudly located at Greenmount outside Toowoomba, Queensland
Our mill is based in the heart of the Darling Downs. One of the last remaining flour mills in Australia to still operate in the midst of the farmland where the grains are grown, we’re surrounded by the rich black alluvial soils that run through the Darling Downs and into Northern New South Wales.
Whilst other larger mills have relocated for economic reasons we continue to invest in and grow our regional presence, actively developing opportunities for both local people and our organic farmers.
We were the first organic processors in Queensland
Kialla’s original Australian Organic Certification number was P41, where the ‘4’ stands for Queensland and the ‘1’ indicates we were the first processor certified in the state. This is still reflected in our current certification: ‘ACO Cert. No. 41’. |
Our Values
We only do organics so we’re 100% committed to using organic production and processing methods.
- We support and encourage organic farmers and environmental sustainability. Farming organically requires best practice farming methods,
while also guaranteeing farmers receive fair returns for their crops. - Providing our clients with the widest range of high quality organic cereal grains, while also ensuring consistent and reliable supplies, helps
us strive to continually improve. When you need it, we want Kialla to be the grain millers that come to mind. - We’re committed to supplying a quality product at a reasonable price. One that doesn’t cost the earth, in the fullest sense of that phrase.
Because, while we all need to be paying the real cost for the growing and producing of healthy food, just because it’s organic doesn’t mean
it has to be unaffordable for the majority of people - Our commitment to organics, to quality and integrity in the food chain, and to reliability and consistency in our products, offers
opportunities for all our team members to be continually developing and refining our expertise and skills. - Kialla Pure Foods is proud to support happy and healthy families Australia wide, and around the world.
What we do
The company only mills certified GMO-free organic cereal grains with no cross contamination from non-organic products. We source over 20 different grains from our certified organic growers.
Within the mill, we use a mix of modern and traditional milling techniques to produce our wide range of organic flours, kibbles and meals.
With more than 25 years in organic production, we have forged a reputation for professionalism and integrity, both locally and internationally.
We’re taking Aussie organic grain to the world, with more than 15 years experience exporting to New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Japan,
Indonesia, Taiwan and Malaysia. Recently that has also included Italy and the USA.
Services we provide:
- our branded products for retail, wholesale, manufacturing and
baking - packing of private label retail products
- manufacturing of premixes to specifications
- processing of specialty grains on a toll milling or contract basis.
Our efficient, modern complex is able to prepare and manufacture a wide range of cereal grains for wholesalers and retailers.
And we haven’t forgotten traditions – our wholegrain products
are still made using the old-fashioned mill stones. This method of
milling protects nutrients and enzymes in the flour, and retains the
goodness of the whole grain.
Food Safety is our priority
Our food quality assurance, and organic certifications ensure the highest quality products for both local and international markets.
All Kialla products are certified organic by Australian Certified Organic and are produced under an audited Food Quality Program through the SGS certifying body. We also hold the organic certifications for Japan, Korea, and USDA. You’ll find all the details on our certifications below, including downloadable certificates.
We process our grains into a range of organic baking flours, specialty flours, premixes and other cereal based value-added products.
These are appropriate for manufacturing and artisan bakeries, as well as hospitality services and retailers.
Have a look at our product range.
Our own branded products are available in bulk bags, 20kg, 5kg and retail sizes.
In addition to supplying our branded products, we can pack private label retail products and manufacture premixes to our client’s specifications.
Our Certifications
Australian Certified Organic (ACO)
Kialla is certified by Australian Certified Organic. Our organic certification requires us to undergo an organic audit each year – this ensures our compliance to the National Standard is assessed on a regular basis.
National Organic Program (NOP)
Kialla is certified by ACO to the National Organic Program – this certification is required for all product destined for the USA. Not all products Kialla produces are compliant to the NOP as it is a whole-of-chain certification.
This is included in our ACO certification, which you can download above.
Japanese Agricultural Standard (JAS)
Kialla is certified by ACO to comply with the JAS organic requirements, allowing the company to export products direct to Japan.
This is included in our ACO certification, which you can download above.
Korean Agricultural Standard
Kialla is certified by ACO to comply with the Korean organic requirements, allowing the company to export products direct to Korea.
Click here to download the ACO Korean Treater Handler certificate
Halal Certification
Kialla has Halal certification. This covers products sold both in Australia and overseas.
Kosher Certification
Kialla has Kosher certification for our products.
Click here to download page 1 of the certification for Australia
Click here to download page 2 of the certification for Australia
Quality Assurance
Kialla Pure Foods has a 3rd party audited Food Quality Program through the SGS certifying body.
Export Registration
Kialla is a registered export facility. This registration ensures that we will be exporting goods according to the Australian export standards determined by the Department of Agriculture (DOA).