• Krista Watkins, MD and co-founder, Natural Evolution.
    Krista Watkins, MD and co-founder, Natural Evolution.
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Natural Evolution managing director and co-founder Krista Watkins has been named Queensland’s latest #eatqld Champion for her support of Queensland produce and agricultural innovation. Watkins will join the panel at the upcoming Women in Packaging breakfast forum on 2 April.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said Watkins’s passion for creating new, high-value food products that help local farmers generate additional income made her the perfect choice as our third #eatqld Champion.

“Krista is a leader in agricultural innovation and the co-founder and managing director of Natural Evolution Foods, a world-first company specialising in green banana flour products,” Furner said.

“Natural Evolution Foods has found innovative uses for otherwise wasted green bananas including gluten-free banana flour and a range of skin care products.”

Watkins said being a #eatqld Champion was a privilege as she actively encourages others to live healthy and happy lifestyles, while the title also recognises the pioneering work done at Natural Evolution.

“Natural Evolution is unique because we buy beautiful produce from farmers that would ordinarily be thrown away and produce the world’s best functional foods, cosmetics and spirits right here in North Queensland,” said Watkins.

“Queensland producers are world class and it’s interesting observing the emerging layer of producers who are challenging the status quo, diversifying both in their raw produce but also their finished products. That gets me really excited, we should be on the map as a food destination.”

PKN Packaging News and Food & Drink Business are hosting the Women in Packaging event on April 2, in partnership with AIP, at the upcoming Australasian Packaging Conference. Watkins will form part of the panel alongside Stay Tray founder and MD Kate Stewart, and plastics researcher and PhD candidate at UQ Nicole Garofano (MAIP).

2020 Women in Packaging breakfast forum

TIME: 7.00am registration & coffee for a 7.30am (sharp) start. Event ends at 8.45am

DATE: 2 April

VENUE: Crown Promenade, Melbourne.

Everyone is welcome. The event is free of charge for AIP Australasian Packaging Conference delegates.

Register for the 2020 Women in Packaging Breakfast forum here: http://aipack.com.au/event-registration/?ee=252

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