Mike Tristram

CEO, Trisco Foods

National Finalist in EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024 Australia

Throughout Mike’s journey, hard work and consistency have been crucial. But the real secret behind his success? ‘Just keep showing up!’

CEO of Trisco Foods, Mike has transformed the family-owned sweet syrup manufacturer into a profitable health and food and beverage company. His entrepreneurial odyssey has included several significant achievements, including the opening of a US manufacturing facility in Colorado Springs in 2019, and signing a deal with a US distribution partner. This move led to exponential growth, as well as launching Trisco's patented first and second-generation liquid thickener products.

Through innovative research and development, Trisco created "Precise," a line of quick liquid thickeners supporting people living with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) so that they can consume drinks more safely. This significantly improves the health, nutrition and social lives of impacted individuals. With manufacturing facilities in Australia and the United States, Trisco is poised for expansion into Europe.

Trisco's health products are primarily targeted aged care homes and hospitals, whereas the food and beverage products are marketed towards quick-service restaurants, retail shops and restaurant chains. The company's Precise line holds a 45% market share in Australia and 15% in the United States, and plans are underway for expansion into European and Asian markets.

Innovation is at the heart of Trisco's operations, as exemplified by the unique dispensing bottle developed for its liquid thickening product. Trisco is committed to sustainability, managing upstream waste responsibly with its anaerobic digester and investing in cutting-edge processing and farming technology.

Under Mike's leadership, Trisco's annual revenue has more than quadrupled.