In a collaboration that blends premium flavour with purpose-driven impact, Weber, Barkuma, and MBL have come together to create a product that’s more than just a seasoning – it’s a story of innovation, inclusion, and South Australian pride.
A Recipe Rooted in Passion
At the heart of this partnership is a herb and spice mix that captures the essence of Weber’s iconic smoky grill flavour. Developed through rigorous testing and refinement, the blend was born from Weber’s Grill Academy, where Australia’s sole Grill Master, Laura, crafted the original recipes. Over 18 months, the Weber team conducted blind tastings across proteins and vegetables to perfect the flavour profile.
While Weber began with its iconic range of BBQs, the brand has evolved to offer complementary products that elevate the cooking experience. “These spice blends are more than just seasoning – it’s a reflection of our commitment to helping people cook better, eat better, and enjoy the process. Partnering with MBL and Barkuma has allowed us to bring that vision to life in a way that’s both delicious and deeply meaningful.” shares Tim Porter, General Manager of Weber.
To bring this vision to life, Weber partnered with MBL, a South Australian manufacturer with deep expertise in blending herbs and spices. MBL went the extra mile – literally roasting ingredients in a Weber BBQ to infuse the brand’s DNA into every jar. Their meticulous production process, backed by HACCP and QA protocols, ensures consistency and quality at scale, while strict confidentiality safeguards the proprietary recipe that makes the Weber blends so distinctive.
Image – Black Squid Design
Purpose Beyond the Product
MBL identified an opportunity to partner with Barkuma, recognising that their facility could efficiently meet the specialised packing requirements of Weber. As a South Australian organisation supporting people with disability through meaningful employment, Barkuma offered a solution that not only addressed MBL’s operational needs but also aligned seamlessly with its values as a member-based organisation committed to community impact. “Working with Barkuma has been massive for us,” said Kane Paues, General Manager Sales and Marketing of MBL. “It’s allowed us to keep the product on shelves despite operational challenges, and the pride the Barkuma team takes in the work is reflected in the premium quality of the final product.”
Image – Black Squid Design
Building Inclusive Business
For Weber, the partnership was a natural extension of their commitment to quality and community. With label design by another SA company, Black Squid, and packaging by Barkuma, the product is a showcase of local collaboration.
“Relationships in business are incredibly important,” Tim of Weber emphasises. “It’s not just about the lowest price—it’s about building long-term partnerships with people who care about your product and your brand. Barkuma’s willingness to go the extra mile, invest in new machinery, and communicate openly made this partnership feel right.”
Looking Ahead
The success of this initiative has already sparked conversations about expanding packaging opportunities with Barkuma. It’s a testament to what’s possible when businesses come together with shared values and a commitment to inclusion.
This partnership isn’t just about seasoning – it’s about seasoning with purpose. And in every jar, there’s a story of collaboration, community, and care.
Get more information:
Phone: 8414 7100
Email: barkuma@barkuma.com.au
Find out more about Barkuma Business Solutions