Food and beverage businesses in Brisbane get set to expand

Now in its seventh year, the Brisbane Economic Development Agency’s (BEDA) 2024 Future Food Global Accelerator program is designed to cater to businesses at the cutting edge of food and beverage innovation and help them expand into new global markets.

From emerging start-ups looking to accelerate growth to global titans exploring new opportunities, eleven Brisbane-based businesses will participate in this year’s program.

One of these businesses — FigJam & Co — is a second-generation Indigenous catering and condiments business, serving up Indigenous and bushland ingredients and flavours. With demand from Michelin-star restaurants and a range of new products on the horizon, FigJam & Co said the program will support the company’s ambition to expand domestically in Australia and export globally to markets like Singapore and Malaysia.

Jacob Davidson, FigJam & Co. Head of Strategy, said: “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.”

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said: “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 will be joined by 10 other participants this year, including: FutureFeed, Gourmet Taste Creations, Hilton Foods, Lilly’s Little Lunchbox, Little White Goat Cheese, New Farm Confectionary, OMG! Decadent Donuts, Reclaim Foods, Ugly Duck Fine Foods and Yaala Sparkling.

Some of the other participants’ innovations include seaweed technology to reduce methane emissions in livestock and a freeze-dried goat feta that is designed to have an ambient shelf life of 18 months.

Hilton Foods, a protein processor and food solutions business, creates innovative new products and tech in the food sector, working across five categories: meat, seafood, vegan & vegetarian, easier meals and services. The business has more than 7000 employees and operates in 13 markets worldwide. CEO Mel Chambers said Hilton Foods was eager to network and learn alongside other participants.

“We look forward to hearing from leading experts and building connections with other Brisbane-based businesses participating in this program,” Chambers said.

The Global Accelerator program 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).