Alex Cracknell
Food & Wine

Aussie's genius juicer hailed as one of the best inventions of the year

In a testament to Brisbane's growing reputation as a hub for cutting-edge innovation, not one by TWO  local companies have earned their spot on Time magazine's prestigious list of the best inventions for 2023.

These Brisbane-based enterprises are making waves with their groundbreaking contributions to the world of technology and everyday convenience.

At the forefront of practical ingenuity is Dreamfarm, a company founded by Alex Gransbury, dedicated to enhancing the functionality of everyday items. Dreamfarm's latest triumph, the Fluicer, a compact and user-friendly juicing tool, has garnered significant attention. This easy-squeeze device not only streamlines the juicing process but also folds flat, allowing it to seamlessly fit into kitchen drawers.

The Fluicer has become a standout product for Dreamfarm, quickly climbing the ranks to become one of the company's top sellers. Its recognition by Time magazine as one of the year's 200 best inventions absolutely solidifies its status as a game-changer in the market. With a price tag of $24.95, the Fluicer has resonated with consumers globally, becoming one of the top five selling products for the company internationally.

Dreamfarm, which originated from a humble backyard shed, has experienced remarkable growth under Gransbury's leadership. With products now available in 35 countries and 300 independent stores worldwide, the company is on track to finish the year with a turnover exceeding $22 million, nearly double its revenue from just three years ago.

"I thought you'd have to cure cancer or childhood diabetes, but they give it out to juicers apparently," Gransbury said to A Current Affair.

Having already won several design awards and gained that all-important Oprah Winfrey bump when she recommended it to her viewers earlier this year, Gransbury is understandably chuffed with the attention. "On the world stage Australians have a great reputation for coming up with something new and different," he said.

Joining Dreamfarm on Time magazine's prestigious list is Axiom Holographics, helmed by Bruce Dell. Axiom is the visionary force behind the world's first hologram zoo and has contributed to other groundbreaking holographic installations, including Bill Gates' hologram aquarium in the Maldives.

Based in Murarrie with a production centre in Yatala, between the Gold Coast and Brisbane, Axiom is not just a player in the entertainment industry; the company, which designs and manufactures microchips and hardware, has seen its revenue double to $125 million in 2022-23. With expectations of tripling revenue in the next 12 months, Axiom has become a formidable force in the holographic technology sector.

"I think we can make Australia the hologram capital of the world, just like Nokia made Finland the mobile phone capital of the world," Dell said to ACA. "We are going to be rolling this out all over the world, so hopefully they pop up as common as cinemas or McDonalds and it becomes a new form of entertainment."

With Aussie inventions like the Fluicer and Axiom's holographic marvels making waves, the world is increasingly turning its gaze toward Brisbane as a hotbed of forward-thinking and transformative ideas.

To check out Time's full list of 200 remarkable inventions for 2023, click here

Images: A Current Affair

Tags:
Fluicer, Alex Gransbury, Dreamfarm, Axiom Holographics, Bruce Dell