A scientist who turned Australian apples into a multimillion-dollar business is now taking the US by storm.
Dr Vincent Candrawinata’s health products derived from apples have helped countless Australians manage pain, earning him a $5 million deal with Woolworths along the way.
Now, after selling out on US television at a rate of one product every three seconds, the health entrepreneur is shining a global spotlight on Australian innovation.
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Growing up in Indonesia, he developed a fascination with the connection between food and science while watching his mother work in her home bakery.
“Even though at the time my mum couldn’t explain the scientific part, I saw science in action in the way that when you whip egg white, it went from a liquid into solid, like meringue,” Candrawinata said.
“Or when you roll out pastry and then it rises in the oven.”
Those early experiences sparked a curiosity that eventually led him to study food, science and technology at university before undertaking antioxidant research at the University of Newcastle.
“We all know we are what we eat,” he said.
“But I really wanted to know how we can our improve lives. “
It was during his time in Newcastle he made a discovery that would ultimately change the course of his career.
Working alongside Australian apple farmers, Candrawinata became interested in what made locally-grown apples unique.
“I was very lucky because I was on a journey where I working with Australian apple farmers,” he said.
“I learnt that we couldn’t compete on pricing and we couldn’t compete on volume, compared to international imports.
“So I investigated the nutritional benefits and after doing the research found apples grown in Australia are higher in their phenolic antioxidants, which is the holy grail of antioxidants.”
He explained Australia’s climate plays a key role, with apple trees exposed to high levels of UV radiation.
As a result, the trees produce greater quantities of antioxidants as a natural defence mechanism.
Phenolic antioxidants are naturally occurring compounds found in fruits and are considered among nature’s most powerful dietary antioxidants.
At the time, extracting these compounds typically required the use of chemicals.
After 18 months of research, Candrawinata developed a world-first technology that used only water to extract and activate the beneficial antioxidants.
The laboratory technique allowed him to isolate what he calls “activated phenolics” — potent antioxidants capable of helping the body combat harmful free radicals more effectively.
The discovery became deeply personal after he witnessed the impact it had on his grandmother, who had been confined to a wheelchair by rheumatic arthritis.
The extracted antioxidants from apples reduced her pain and inflammation and got her back on her feet.
Candrawinata said it inspired him to want to help more people live a better life.
His activated phenolics were eventually developed into health supplements, first through his An Apple A Day vitamins and powders before being incorporated into apple cider vinegar products.
He founded Renovatio — Latin for “new life” — with a mission to make high-quality natural health products more accessible to Australians.
The products are designed to help protect against inflammation while supporting cellular repair and regeneration and digestive health.
A major turning point came in 2019 when, while presenting his research at a conference, he was approached by Woolworths about stocking his products nationally.
Candrawinata wanted his products to be available where everyday Australians shop, and the range launched in 1000 stores nationwide in March 2020.
The partnership resulted in a $5 million deal with the supermarket giant, a relationship that continues today.
He said many customers first discover the products through word-of-mouth recommendations from family and friends who have experienced benefits firsthand.
Today, Candrawinata oversees a rapidly growing health and wellness business that also includes his skincare brand Vincent APSKIN.
Despite the success, he says helping people remains his driving force.
“I read the comments from returning customers and can see how much the vitamins have helped reduce their pain,” he said.
“They can now do things like carry the laundry basket or play with their grandkids because they’re no longer in pain.
“We take these simple things for granted.
“I don’t necessarily have to change the world, but if I can change someone’s world to be better then I’m happy.”
That mission is now fuelling the next chapter of his business expansion.
Motivated by the desire to reach more people, Candrawinata began manufacturing products in the US in 2024.
Last month, he made his US television debut on shopping channel ShopLC and sold products at an astonishing rate of one every three seconds, selling out before his allocated timeslot even finished.
Candrawinata said he had learnt to speak English by watching American shopping channels, making the experience a full-circle moment.
Now, demand continues to grow, with the network bringing him back regularly from June. American customers have even given him the nickname “Aussie Apple Doc”.
Candrawinata said the breakthrough marks a significant international milestone not only for his company but also for Australian innovation in health and wellness.
“This shows the world is paying attention to Australian science, Australian produce and Australian wellness technology,” Candrawinata said.
“We should be incredibly proud of what Australia is producing.”