Empowering Growth: Clean Eats Australia’s Success with the G.Mondini Cigno and Select Equip
Clean Eats Australia, an outstanding clean, healthy premium ready-to-eat meal delivery service, transformed their production and scaled their business with the G.Mondini Cigno tray sealer. Central to this success was the exceptional support from Select Equip.
About Clean Eats Australia
Founded eight years ago by Tony, Clean Eats Australia began as a side business but quickly grew into a full-time operation. Driven by a passion for offering high-quality ready meals and transitioning from restaurant owner, Tony entered the market with a mission: to offer high-quality, good food in an industry saturated with subpar options. Today, the company serves all of Victoria, with plans to expand to Queensland in the coming year.
“The market might be full, but not with good food,” Tony explains. “We wanted to fill that gap with something exceptional.”
The Challenge
Scaling Clean Eats Australia wasn’t without its challenges. Key hurdles included:
- Manual Processes: Previous operations relied on hand-loading and packing, limiting output to just 350 units per hour.
- Changing Demands: Rapid growth required updated systems and procedures to keep up with increasing demand.
- Service Expectations: Past experiences with unreliable service providers made finding the right partner critical.
Tony recalls, “Every aspect of scaling was a challenge. We needed the right solutions and the right people to support us through it.”
Choosing G.Mondini Cigno and Select Equip
Clean Eats discovered Select Equip and the Mondini Cigno at the Fine Foods trade show. Initially considered out of reach, the compact and efficient tray sealer became a necessity as production demands grew.
The decision to partner with Select Equip went beyond the machine itself. Tony emphasises, “Shane didn’t just sell a machine; he listened, understood our vision, and provided the solution we truly needed. The service was a game-changer.”
Key factors influencing the decision included:
- Compact Design: The Cigno’s space-efficient footprint made it ideal for Clean Eats’ operations.
- Efficiency: Matching the output of larger, bulkier machines, the Cigno offered the perfect balance of size and productivity.
- Unmatched Service: From initial consultations to ongoing support, Select Equip provided a partnership, not just a product.
The Impact
Since implementing the G.Mondini Cigno, Clean Eats has seen remarkable improvements:
- Production Efficiency: Output has more than doubled to 700 units per hour, with plans to reach 1,000 units soon.
- Extended Shelf Life: Ongoing testing aims to increase shelf life from 14 days to 21 days, enhancing product freshness and customer satisfaction.
- Streamlined Operations: The Cigno’s plug-and-play system made onboarding easy, with staff quickly mastering its operation.
Tony shares, “We’ve gone from manual processes to a system that’s three times as productive. It’s a huge leap forward.”
Service That Stands Out
Select Equip’s service proved instrumental to Clean Eats’ success. Highlights include:
- Reliability: The team is always accessible, ensuring zero downtime and immediate resolution of any queries.
- Proactive Support: Training and implementation were seamless, with Select Equip guiding the Clean Eats team every step of the way.
- Customer-Centric Approach: Tony notes, “It wasn’t about selling a machine; it was about understanding our challenges and helping us succeed.”
Tony describes the service as unparalleled: “Hands down, the best service I’ve ever experienced. Whenever I call, someone picks up, and they’re ready to help.”
Looking Ahead
With the Cigno at the heart of their operations, Clean Eats is exploring further automation to support their growth. Plans include adding dosing and sleeving machines, ensuring the business continues to scale while maintaining efficiency and quality.
“With Select Equip, we’re confident about the future. They’re not just a supplier—they’re a partner in our success,” Tony adds.
Advice for Others
Tony encourages other businesses to prioritise service and partnerships when making key investments: “With Select Equip, you’re not just buying equipment; you’re building a relationship that sets you up for long-term success.”
Clean Eats Australia’s story is a testament to the power of combining innovative technology with outstanding service. Together, Mondini and Select Equip have set them on a path to growth, efficiency, and excellence.