Country Leader

Word of mouth has been travelling about the Banalasta Visitor Centre at Bendemeer, the manager said.

People drop in, hear about the centre’s wine grape, eucalyptus and lavender plantation, sample some of the unique Banalasta products and then they recommend their friends drop in too.

As the visitor centre continues to attract new consumers for Banalasta’s wines, oils and personal care products, the company is now planning to build its brand and sell direct to the consumer through the Internet.

There will also be an exciting partnership with Australian entrepreneur.

Banalasta is a diverse property carrying 12,000sheep, 500 cattle, and 10ha of wine grapes, 12,000 lavender plants and 600ha of eucalyptus trees.

Manager John Wynan said Banalasta’s organic eucalyptus oil in particular was recognised worldwide as a premium grade organic product.

It is the oil of the eucalyptus Australiana radiata, which is also known as the narrow-leaf peppermint.

“This is used for therapeutic purposes, cosmetic an aromatherapy and we export to France, Germany and the United States,” Mr Wynan says.

He said he wasn’t sure whether or not the oil ended up in any designer French perfumes: “You never know because they never tell you.”

However, Mr Wynan did know where some of Banalasta’s oils would be going in the near future – into some Australian made cough and cold products including a chest vapour rub.

The products will be available from this winter.

The Banalasta products are also available from some IGA stores, pharmacies and health food stores but Mr Wynan said it was challenging for a boutique product to compete with larger and cheaper brands.

“When you specialise and you’re unique it’s hard to get into the market,’ he said.
“I think in the future there will be more of a move towards selling products direct to the consumer because the consumer is the most important person.

“Once we go into online shopping people will be able to try the products and judge for themselves once they see the value of them.”

“But word of mouth is one of the big things,” he said.

“People are starting to talk about us.”