Future Food Initiative to support 10 local suppliers to go global

Ten Brisbane food industry suppliers have won a place in a local government program to help kickstart their export ambitions. See who made the cut.

Nina Nguyen, founder of Pakko.

A program supporting local businesses is set to help homegrown Brisbane products to be stocked on shelves and served across the globe.

Brisbane Economic Development Agency’s (BEDA) Future Food global accelerator has returned for 2023 to help 10 local food suppliers to scale and export to new markets.

Since 2018 the Future Food Initiative, has supported more than 400 businesses, generating $480m in economic activity with JBS Foods Australia, Merlo, Priestley’s Gourmet Delights, and Kehoe’s Kitchen among past participants.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the initiative was a “fantastic launch pad” for expansion for local Brisbane businesses.

“Brisbane has all the right ingredients for the food industry to thrive: fresh, locally grown ingredients, advanced manufacturing capabilities and port access to some of the world’s largest markets,” he said.

“We want to make sure Brisbane suppliers can grow their impact locally, and scale globally, by connecting with networks and buyers that can fast-track products to the market.”

Milton Rum Distillery owner Alexander Bell.

As part of the initiative, businesses participate in an eight-week global readiness accelerator facilitated by industry leading experts and Queensland University of Technology.

Past participant Milton Rum Distillery director Alexander Bell said the program had helped him connect with key investors and contacts in the food space.

“BEDA were able to help us build our network and find our collaborators,” he said.

“It allowed us to turbocharge our growth, so rather than struggling with the challenges of growing a small business all by ourselves, we had access to networks and data we would never have had access to before.”

The 2023 Future Food cohort are:

• Airgarden – producers of aeroponic gardening systems for fast growing herbs and vegetables.

• Beutific – offers consultation and product research for skin care and nutraceuticals.

• Dairy Free Down Under – creators of vegan cheeses and sauces, from “mozzarella to “parmesan”.

• Fare Share – operators of Brisbane’s largest non-profit kitchen cooking free meals for vulnerable people.

• GreenSky Organic – creators of “Veggie Pods” which can be added to drinks and meals.

• Jim’s Jerky – producers of beef jerky and biltong made with premium Australian steak.

• Jorgji.com – developers of waste-reducing compost systems for food producers and commercial kitchens.

• Lang’s Gourmet – creators of gourmet jams, chutneys, sauces and dressings.

• Optivance – creators of nutrient smoothies for expectant mothers and toddlers.

• Pakko – producers of bespoke packaging for products of all shapes and sizes.

Nina Nguyen, founder of Pakko.

Kicking on

The Women’s FIFA World Cup is fast approaching all things soccer (whoops football) is on the agenda for Ginger Sport founder and managing director Ben Hutchinson.

The business, which started in 2009, caters for 1500 children in more than 200 weekly sessions – from preschoolers to early primary schoolers across South East Queensland – will be kicking more than a few more goals during the World Cup.

“We’ve just teed up a major OSHC (Out of school hours care) partnership with our Quest Football Academy brand from mid-July,” he said.

“The program will run throughout the World Cup, which will see us have access to about 3000 additional children.”

Having emerged still intact after the Covid-19 pandemic Ginger Sport is now looking to access more new childcare centres and/or early education facilities to introduce new children to the sport.

“Overall, we’re also looking for partners who want to jump on board in a sponsorship role to help support our offerings to families and centres, and have their brand/business exposed to thousands of Queensland kids.”

Kids playing soccer during Ginger Sport. Picture: Liam Kidston.