In a significant recognition of Australian innovation and global impact, Care Essentials, headquartered in North Geelong, Victoria, has been named the 2023 Australian Exporter of the Year. The prestigious award was presented during the 61st Australian Export Awards ceremony at Parliament House, Canberra, organized by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission.
Care Essentials, led by Indian Australian Managing Director Abhay Sinha, has been a pioneer in the medical device industry. The company’s commitment since its establishment in 1996 to producing high-quality Australian-made medical devices has been unwavering for over two decades. Its flagship product, the Cocoon Warming System, is a critical medical device used during surgeries worldwide to maintain normal body temperature and prevent hypothermia.
Alongside its business achievements, Care Essentials is equally committed to environmental sustainability. Its CareGreen team is leading initiatives in biodegradable packaging, recyclable medical products, renewable energy, and waste reduction practices at its Geelong factory.
Abhay Sinha encourages other exporters to participate in the Australian Export Awards, emphasizing the exposure and growth opportunities it provides.
“We need to project our nation as an exporting country,”
says Sinha, advocating for a robust Aussie export ecosystem.
In response to the surge in demand, Care Essentials expanded its product line in 2021 by introducing medical respirators, surgical masks, sterilisation wraps, and pre-warming blankets. This diversification was a part of their strategy to manage the high growth they were experiencing, leading to the setup of a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.
Care Essentials’ global reach is impressive, with its products being used in over 70 countries. Key markets include the US, Japan, the UK, Canada, Taiwan, Italy, Germany, and several other European nations. Managing Director Sinha proudly states, “Care Essentials is dedicated to making a positive impact on the world. Our brand is well known globally.”
Their contributions extend beyond product innovation. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Care Essentials quickly adapted to manufacture a range of N95/P2 respirators and surgical masks. The company’s specialised product development team focused on maximising protection and comfort while catering to a diverse range of face shapes. This led to the global demand for their Care Fit masks.
Care Essentials has also seen remarkable growth in exports to Italy and France, with a 230% growth in Italian exports over the past two years and strong sales in the French market. This expansion has opened opportunities across Europe and the UK.
The company’s partnership with Premiere Pro Inc in the United States has been instrumental in achieving a 24% year-on-year growth rate in the country. The US market, contributing nearly 20% of its total exports, is expected to rise to 50% by 2027. Moreover, India has emerged as a significant market, with exports tripling in the past two years.
Innovation remains at the core of Care Essentials’ ethos. The company is expanding its patient-warming system product line for veterinary use and has developed a new sterilization wrap, CareGuard, competing with major US brands. Additionally, in 2023, Care Essentials began manufacturing high-quality, TGA-approved skin preparation solutions in Perth, sold under the brand name PharmAust.
The ceremony also celebrated other Regional Exporter finalists, including Asia Pacific Aircraft Storage, CBH Group, Leatherwood Bespoke Rosin (receiving a Judges Commendation), Mort & Co, Tasmanian Quality Meats, and Viterra. These companies represent the diverse and dynamic nature of Australia’s export industry
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