Iconic Ekka strawberry sundaes named a champion of Queensland produce

The delicious strawberry sundaes that have become synonymous with The Ekka have been recognised as an iconic champion of Queensland produce.

The iconic ice cream that has helped raise money for medical research for more than three decades is now an official #eatqld Champion.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said Ekka strawberry sundaes represented everything wholesome about The Ekka but had grown to icon status as the annual centrepiece of raising research funds via The Common Good and the Prince Charles Hospital.

“Ekka strawberry sundaes tell a great story about Queensland produce, and about Queenslanders supporting each other,” Mr Furner said.

“Just like buying these sundaes supports vital medical research, buying Queensland produce supports farmers and communities right across our great state.

“The sundaes themselves this year will use 4 tonnes of Queensland cream, 31,000 Queensland eggs and of course 25,000 punnets of donated Queensland strawberries.”

The Ekka itself has already been recognised as a foundation #eatqld partner, alongside Woolworths, Clubs Queensland and Eat Street Northshore Markets.

Mr Furner said the story of the Ekka strawberry sundae should inspire Queenslanders to support each other even more.

“Every economy and every community in the world is still dealing with the global COBVID-19 pandemic.

“In Queensland the health response has gone well so far and we have started to implement our plan for economic recover.

“Now is the time that every Queenslander can play a role in supporting our fishers and farmers, our local businesses and our communities by asking for Queensland produce whenever possible.”

The Palaszczuk Government donated $75,000 to The Common Good to enable this year’s Ekka strawberry sundae fundraiser to go ahead.

Mr Furner said the Queensland Government’s #eatqld campaign encouraged the community to eat local, stay healthy and support jobs in the state’s agricultural sector.

“Our produce is second to none. We are urging everybody to explore Queensland-grown food and when you do we ask that you take a photograph and share it online using the hashtag #eatqld,” Mr Furner said.

“By eating Queensland-produced meat, seafood, fruit, nuts and veggies you support everybody that brings that food to your table.”

To nominate somebody as an #eatqld Champion email agriculture@ministerial.qld.gov.au

ENDS

Media contact:           Ron Goodman            0427 781 920

Ekka sundae pop-up shop details can be found here: https://www.thecommongood.org.au/popups