In 2012, scientist and entrepreneur Dr Vincent Candrawinata created a technology to extract phenolics, the most potent antioxidant compounds present in apples, using only water. His world-first technology led to a $5 million contract with Australian supermarket giant Woolworths in early 2020.
Now, he says he is proud not only of being able to do business with one of Australia's largest retailers but also of having managed to more than double his business deal. The area of this expansion is also challenging, namely the skin care and cosmetic industry which are known to be very competitive.
"This good news is not just for me," says Dr Candrawinata. "Every time there is an Indonesian name that can be echoed in the media in Australia, I feel that we are contributing... that Indonesians overseas are also competent."
Dr Candrawinata says that the lockdown that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic has brought him a distinct advantage. "It depends on how we look at it," he says to SBS Indonesian.
The PhD graduate from the University of Newcastle says the pandemic has given him more time to return to the laboratory to do more research and sharpen the effectiveness of his products. Due to the pandemic as well, Dr Candrawinata says he needs to make several operational changes for the effectiveness of his business, including moving the plant and all its processes to NSW.
Listen to the full interview on the SBS Indonesian's podcast.
