Fresh. Indigenous. Genius.
Celebrating a decade-long collaboration for fresh produce
The Landscape
Djinda and Sodexo Australia have enjoyed a decade-long partnership that began as a collaboration to meet the requirements of a key client contract in Western Australia. Over the years, this partnership has evolved and endured, overcoming major challenges such as a global pandemic and the receivership of Djinda’s joint-venture partner.
Today, Djinda are Sodexo’s primary supplier for 21 energy and resources sites in West Australia. This arrangement represents 25% of Djinda’s annual revenue, making Sodexo not only Djinda’s biggest client but biggest advocate.
Partnership in action
Prior to 2023, Djinda’s business was maintained through a joint-venture (JV) partnership, with 51% Indigenous ownership. In September of that year, Djinda’s Managing Director, Phil Matera was notified that his JV partner had become insolvent and was going into receivership.
As a result, a decision had to be made about Djinda’s future—for Phil to go out on his own, or fold with their JV. Named after a beacon in the night, fading out of existence wasn’t in Djinda’s nature.
Throughout the process, Phil was able to purchase the remaining shares and converted the business to 100% Aboriginal owned, Sodexo played an integral part in maintaining consistent cash flow. This involved Sodexo’s continued commitment to purchase through Djinda as well as increasing spend and cutting standard payment terms in half.
While Djinda retained 100% of their customers throughout this period, Sodexo was the only partner to adjust contracting to provide the business with a lifeline.
“The support we received during this time was unreal. While we were figuring out how to keep going, knowing that we had consistent orders and the backing of Sodexo made all the difference,” Phil said.
Results
Sodexo is one of 55 Djinda customers but provides a quarter of Djinda’s annual revenue.
The success of this partnership is built on strong collaboration and open communication, with both businesses focused on achieving stable, scalable growth. This approach has not only enabled Djinda to meet contract requirements but also to explore opportunities for expanding its revenue streams.
Since 2021, Sodexo’s collaboration with Djinda has grown by an impressive 125% and is expected to continue accelerating year after year.
With customers as far north as Lake Argyle right through to Esperance, Djinda cover more than 3,500km, delivering their fresh produce solution. As the business continues to mature, with the backing of Sodexo, Djinda aspires to:
- Double Indigenous employment rate by 2027
- Increase to full site capacity by end of 2026 from 63% (current at March 2025)
- Relocate into a larger facility by start of 2027
- Reduce non-recyclable packaging by 24% by 2028
Today, Djinda are Sodexo’s primary supplier for 21 energy and resources sites in West Australia. This arrangement represents 25% of Djinda’s annual revenue, making Sodexo not only Djinda’s biggest client but biggest advocate.
