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Our Team

Jason Fritsch

Jason has been CEO of Kagome Australia since 2016, prior to that Jason was in charge of our farming and field operations, a role he performed since 2005, where he was responsible for tomato, carrot, garlic and winter cereal crops. Jason holds a Bachelor of Rural Science from the University of New England and is a graduate of the Australian Institute for Company Directors.

Since becoming the CEO of Kagome Australia, Jason has developed and implemented a strategy that has seen the company diversify from a tomato processor into a fruit and vegetable processor. Today Kagome produces tomato paste and dice for industrial customers, a range of tomato based sauces for the food service channel; carrot, pear and garlic concentrate for domestic and export markets; beetroot and garlic for key customers; and value added powders for consumer packaged goods.

 

Jason Fritsch

CEO

Brad free

Brad Free

General Manager Factory
Brad is responsible for Kagome’s processing operation, this includes the management of our Industrial, Foodservice and Powder plants. Brad has worked for Kagome for 17 years, commencing as Production Supervisor, he was then promoted to the role of Production Manager in 2012. In 2021, Brad was appointed to the position of General Manager of Processing Operations. Brad has a strong background in engineering and lean manufacturing principles and benefits personally from developing his team of people and processes. Brad and his team have implemented many various quality improvements which has driven the success of the business.
Chris-Taylor-

Chris Taylor

General Manager Field Operations
Chris Taylor is our General Manager of Field operations. He joined the business in 2007 after completing his Bachelor of Farm Management. He has been heavily involved throughout all facets of Kagome's farming business covering all crops, from tomato, corn, wheat, garlic, beetroot & carrots. Chris is passionate about his family, his people and of course agriculture, and the vital role it plays in feeding our nation and the world through sustainable healthy produce.
Processing Accountant

Brandy Reid

Finance Manager
Brandy has worked for Kagome since 2016, she has worked in various finance roles within the organisation prior to be announced as Finance Manager in 2022. Brandy is a CPA with a Bachelor of Commerce. Brandy has broad commercial acumen with experience in management accounting and taxation.
Mitch Austin

Mitch Austin

General Manager Sales
Mitch Austin has worked in and around food & hospitality his entire life. From childhood beginning work in family owned restaurants and later transitioning into operational HORECA roles and then into both retail and foodservice sales roles. Mitch has been with Kagome for 7 years and has enjoyed growing along with the Kagome foodservice business. Mitch’s passion is developing new products and partnerships across ANZ and South East Asia.
Troy Hudgson

Troy Hudgson

Marketing & Business Development Manager
Troy Hudgson leads Kagome Australia’s Marketing and Business Development activities. Troy joined Kagome in 2018 and has a passion for commercialising innovation. Troy’s career prior to joining Kagome was in various Marketing and Business Development roles at Fonterra and Bega Cheese over a 15 year period. Troy holds a Biochemistry degree and an MBA (Marketing).

Melanie Davidson

Human Resources Manager
Melanie Davidson is Kagome Australia’s Human Resources Manager, bringing more than 20 years of experience partnering with business’ to achieve strategic outcomes.  Before relocating to Echuca from QLD with her young family and joining Kagome in 2015, Melanie sharpened her skills in various HR and Payroll roles within the health, not-for-profit, manufacturing and employment services sectors.  Melanie is a professional member of the Australian HR Institute and holds a Diploma of Management, Graduate Certificate of Management and an MBA from the Australian Institute of Business.  Melanie has a passion for employee relations and working with the leadership team to build high functioning teams that drive Kagome’s success.
kagome staff member

Penny Mathews

Quality and Safety Manager
Penny Mathews leads the Kagome Quality, R&D, Safety & Environment team. Penny has qualifications as a microbiologist and food safety / quality auditor, and prior to joining Kagome in 2016 she worked in the food manufacturing industry for 30 years in a variety of production, quality, technical, project and risk management and leadership roles at other major food companies such as Kraft Foods, Mondelez and Bega Cheese.
Daryl coutts

Darryl Coutts

Supply Chain Manager
Darryl is an experienced and accomplished supply chain leader joining Kagome in 2021. Most recently employed at the Nestle Tongala plant, Darryl headed up the logistics and supply chain function for over 15 years. Darryl has a broad range of experience in the food, beverage, dairy and packaging manufacturing sectors.

Our Sales Team

Mitch Austin

Mitch Austin

General Manager Sales
Mitch Austin has worked in and around food & hospitality his entire life. From childhood beginning work in family owned restaurants and later transitioning into operational HORECA roles and then into both retail and foodservice sales roles. Mitch has been with Kagome for 7 years and has enjoyed growing along with the Kagome foodservice business. Mitch’s passion is developing new products and partnerships across ANZ and South East Asia.
kagome staff member

Milo Da Costa

Foodservice Account Manager
Milo is a member of Kagome Australia’s sales team and is a passionate solutions-based sales professional. He appreciates the heritage and culture of Kagome and is excited to be part of its present and its future.
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