Funding to help Bundaberg business crack international market

A Bundaberg-based food business will receive a funding boost from the Palaszczuk Government to help them conquer international markets. 

Macadamias Australia has been awarded a share of a new $1.3 million-dollar program to develop export ready macadamia retail products

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said a total of six diverse food companies had received funding in the first round of the Growing Queensland’s Food Exports program.

“From macadamias, mangoes and melons, to strawberries, sweet corn and pork – the producers selected for grants are either already exporting or are ready to export and seeking to access overseas markets,” he said.

“By providing funding of up to $100,000, we’re assisting these food companies to build their business capability to take advantage of opportunities to grow exports.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to increasing the Queensland’s exports to 22 per cent of the national total and these grants are part of the commitment to deliver more jobs and strong economic growth in regional areas.”

Minister Furner said the other successful projects for round one of the Growing Queensland’s Food Exports program included:

• Manbulloo Ltd from far North Queensland which is wanting to capitalise on new opportunities to expand its mango exports from North Queensland to Japan, Hong Kong, New Zealand and Singapore.

• The Lockyer’s Mulgowie Fresh Pty Ltd is looking to capitalise on packaged sweet corn consumer traceability.

• E & A Coco and Sons Pty Ltd based at Elimbah near Caboolture hopes to capitalise on market access to export Queensland strawberries to Hong Kong and Indonesia. They have been collaborating with other Sunshine coast strawberry businesses Ashbern Farms and Berry Patch, as well as the Queensland Strawberry Grower Association.

• SunPork Fresh Foods Pty Ltd is developing pork products at its Kingaroy and Murrarie plants for the high-end Asian market.

• Burdekin’s VFPlus Pty Ltd is developing exports of high-quality melons out of North Queensland to Japan and Singapore.

Minister Furner said the companies selected for funding are targeting the export priorities of their sector and the entire industry will benefit.

“There’ll be an increased knowledge of target export market destinations and consumers and an improved understanding of competitors, product specifications, supply chain handling and export business practices,” Mr Furner said.

The Growing Queensland’s Food Exports program focuses primarily on horticulture as Queensland is Australia’s largest producer of vegetables and the second largest producer of fruit and nuts.

Matched funding of up to $100,000 (minimum of $50,000) is available over two years per eligible project.

Applicants must co-contribute at least 50 per cent of the total funds required.

There will be a second funding round in July 2018.

Food producers who would like to know more can phone 13 25 23 or email GQFE@daf.qld.gov.au.

Contact: Brock Taylor - 0427 018 178