Manufacturer taps into Japanese market with Advance Queensland backing

Published Wednesday, 13 September, 2017 at 09:17 AM

Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy and Minister for Small Business
The Honourable Leeanne Enoch

Sunshine Coast pet treats manufacturer Huds and Toke has successfully launched its rapidly expanding pet treats business in Japan, with the help of an Advance Queensland Ignite Ideas grant.

Innovation Minister Leeanne Enoch said today (Wednesday) the success of Huds and Toke is an example of how home-grown innovators can be strategically supported to reach lucrative international markets.

“The Palaszczuk Government helped this innovative local business to move to the next level, expand its operations and employ more staff,” Ms Enoch said.

“What started as a husband and wife operation now employs five full-time staff and is set to add more staff and expand into international markets – not only in Japan, but Singapore and Germany.”

Founded in 2013, Huds and Toke have built a unique pet treats manufacturing enterprise that is now poised to become established in Japan’s $5.3 billion pet industry.

“In a country with an estimated 13 million dogs, Japanese pet owners are spending about $400 million a year on dog treats alone,” Ms Enoch said. “Huds and Toke is a classic example of a Queensland business with untapped potential to expand globally.”

Huds and Toke General Manager Russell Gibbons said the Advance Queensland Ignite Ideas grant of almost $90,000 enabled his business to launch internationally.

“We knew we could market overseas but we specifically needed professional advice on how to manage and protect our intellectual property,” Mr Gibbons said.

“With Ignite Ideas funding we were able to source that advice.”

Mr Gibbons said the Warana-based business was ready to offer its products to Japan after scaling-up production capacity with the purchase of additional plant and equipment.

“It enabled us to actively sell throughout Japan via several e-commerce channels,” he said.

“While it’s been a very exciting and at times challenging adventure, we are pleased to announce we also have our warehousing and distribution set-up and working in Japan.”

Advance Queensland is the Palaszczuk Government’s $420 million suite of initiatives to transform the state’s economy, create knowledge jobs of the future and build Queensland’s reputation as a global innovation and investment destination.

The Palaszczuk Government last week announced 85 innovative Queensland businesses would share in the latest $10 million of Ignite Ideas funding to further develop their innovative products and create new jobs.

Visit the Advance Queensland Ignite Ideas Fund webpage for more information on the program and its recipients.

For more information about Huds and Toke, visit https://hudsandtoke.com.au/

ENDS

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