Sunny Coast pet treats producer set to crack US horse market

An award-winning Sunshine Coast pet treats producer, set to crack the lucrative US market with its new range of horse treats, is one of 70 companies that will receive a grant as part of more than $8.3 million in Palaszczuk Government funding announced today.

Innovation Minister Kate Jones said Huds and Toke will receive $100,000 today as part of the government’s latest round of Ignite Ideas funding for companies ready to scale up, or with products on the cusp of commercialisation.

“Huds and Toke has developed products that have great appeal in the US market. That’s why we’ve invested to help them scale-up their operation, start exporting to the United States and ultimately create more jobs in Queensland,” Ms Jones said.

“The companies supported today are at an exciting point with their products and will use the funding to ramp up market development and expand their workforce.  

“Through a highly competitive, independently assessed process they showed they have the innovative products, the talent and the right mindset to take their businesses to new levels and new markets.

“The Palaszczuk Government has now supported 271 Queensland businesses through $34.65 million (four rounds) of Ignite Ideas, driving more than one thousand new jobs.”

Huds and Toke CEO Russell Gibbons said the business, which has won a string of business and innovation awards, is already exporting pet treats into Japan.

“The business is now at an exciting stage of expanding into Queensland-made treats and food for horses,” Mr Gibbons said.

“With the Ignite Ideas funding, we are set to target the US market that is worth $122 billion, of which the $18 billion recreational horse market is our direct market.

“We have proven a success in cracking new markets, using a combination of old-school and leading-edge marketing techniques including engaging social media horse industry influencers and the largest distributor in the Australian equine industry.

“Through this expansion, we will be creating four new jobs in Queensland.”

Queensland’s Chief Entrepreneur Steve Baxter said the Ignite Ideas funding would help the 70 businesses take their next big step forward.

“Access to capital is one of the key challenges for early stage startups. The Ignite Ideas grants provide a source of funding that can take these businesses to the next level, helping them commercialise quickly.”

Ignite Ideas is part of the Palaszczuk Government’s $650 million Advance Queensland initiative.

Visit the Advance Queensland Ignite Ideas Fund web page at https://advance.qld.gov.au/entrepreneurs-and-startups-industry-small-business/ignite-ideas-fund for more information on the program and its recipients.

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