Innovative Brisbane businesses serving up world-first food and beverage products are set to expand into new global markets, thanks to an accelerator program supporting local enterprise.
From emerging start-ups looking to accelerate growth to global titans exploring new opportunities, eleven Brisbane-based businesses will participate in Brisbane Economic Development Agency’s (BEDA) 2024 Future Food Global Accelerator program.
Now in its seventh year, this year’s participants are progressing some of the most exciting innovations to date, including seaweed technology to reduce methane-emissions in livestock, food and beverage products taking Indigenous flavours global, and a world-first freeze-dried goat feta.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the program caters to businesses at the cutting-edge of food and beverage innovation.
“Brisbane’s food and beverage businesses continue to put world-class products on shelves, achieving the success to create jobs and drive our city’s economic growth,” said Schrinner.
“Brisbane’s proximity to international markets, advanced manufacturing and logistical capabilities, and network of national and global brands based locally continues to create incredible opportunities for local food and beverage businesses to grow and thrive.
“Through support programs like the Future Food Global Accelerator, we can make sure our local businesses have the right support to fast-track opportunities for global success.”
FigJam & Co, an Indigenous-owned catering business and manufacturer of gourmet condiments range FigJam Collections, will participate in this year’s Future Food Global Accelerator program.
With demand from Michelin-star restaurants and a range of new products on the horizon, FigJam & Co works closely with First Nations growers, producers and social enterprises to source seasonal ingredients and nutritious superfoods for its gourmet condiments.
FigJam & Co. head of strategy Jacob Davidson said the program will support the company’s ambition to expand domestically in Australia and export globally to markets like Singapore and Malaysia.
“There is so much passion, creativity and opportunity in Brisbane’s food and beverage market,” said Davidson.
“Working in an emerging market like bushfood, we are currently riding a wave of innovation and believe with the right connections and support we can achieve global success for FigJam & Co and Brisbane.
“BEDA’s Future Food Global Accelerator program will allow us to explore new opportunities to showcase our unique Indigenous flavours and superfoods to the world, while we continue supporting mob in Australia.”
Food solutions giant Hilton Foods will also take part in the program. CEO Mel Chambers said Hilton Foods was eager to network and learn alongside other participating businesses.
“Brisbane has produced some incredible talent and innovation in the food and beverage manufacturing industry and we’re proud to be a part of that ecosystem,” said Chambers.
“We look forward to hearing from leading experts and building connections with other Brisbane-based businesses participating in this program.”
The Global Accelerator is designed to help companies pursue funding and distribution partners to expand their operations and explore new markets.
Since 2018, BEDA’s Future Food Initiative has supported more than 400 businesses, with JBS Foods Australia, Merlo and Priestley’s Gourmet Delights among past participants.
Participating businesses will take part in an eight-week global readiness program commencing in February and facilitated by industry leading experts and Queensland University of Technology (QUT).