Co-founder of Grill’d hamburger chain Geoff Bainbridge believes Tasmania has the potential to become an internationally recognised gourmet brand and plans to put money behind his vision.

The serial entrepreneur sees his role as managing director of Lark Distilling, an ASX-listed Tasmanian whisky producer, as a springboard to building an export foods and beverage business. Lark shares have soared nearly 200 per cent in the past 12 months.