Chinese tastebuds go nuts for Toowoomba produce

Darling Downs pecan and macadamia processor Stahmann Farms has cracked the Asian market, with their specially branded products set to hit shelves in more than 1800 stores across China thanks to the support of the Palaszczuk Government.

As part of the Palaszczuk Government’s Governing from Toowoomba/Darling Downs program this week, the Premier was at Wellcamp Airport to see off one of the first shipments of ‘Riverside’ flavoured nuts bound for Hong Kong on the Cathay Pacific freight service.

“What a tremendous achievement for Queensland agriculture to have our produce exported overseas and on supermarket shelves in China,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“We know how important the agriculture sector is to Toowoomba and the Darling Downs and the jobs it creates are vital to the sustained growth we are seeing in the region.

“It is great to see businesses like Stahmann Farms continuing to grow and in turn employing hundreds of locals.”

Stahmann Farms has been awarded two Made in Queensland grants from the Palaszczuk Government, totalling more than $580,000, to support their connection with the Chinese market and to supply and install a new pasteurisation unit.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the government’s support was creating around 25 new jobs and helping get more Darling Downs product on Chinese shelves sooner.

“This new pasteurisation unit is streamlining the production process, extending product shelf life and enhancing the marketability of Stahmann Farms products to the export market,” he said.

Mr Dick said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to creating vital trade ties to overseas markets.

“Our commitment to supporting businesses who want to export our delicious produce to the world is unrivalled, with hundreds of containers of the best Queensland food and fibre products heading to China via Wellcamp Airport on the Cathay Pacific service every week,” he said.

“Our government’s $10 million commitment to establish a Regional Export Distribution Centre to be based in regional Queensland will only further enhance our ability to export local produce overseas.”

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development Mark Furner said the high-quality produce being exported out of Toowoomba everyday was only furthering Queensland’s reputation as the home of clean, green and safe food.

“Queensland is the home of delicious food that is cultivated and processed to the highest standard in the world,” Mr Furner said.

“Stahmann Nuts is a great example of that.

“From Bundaberg where the macadamias are grown, to Toowoomba where they are processed, consumers know they are getting the best.

“And the more high quality food that is on the plates of Asian diners, the more jobs get created in regional Queensland.”

Media contact: Premier’s office – Zoe Russell 0439 982 347 | Minister Dick’s office – Anika Hume 0447 320 039 | Minister Furner’s office – Brock Taylor 0427 018 178