Two Wide Bay region export-ready food businesses will soon be conquering international markets with funding from the Palaszczuk Government to help grow their enterprises.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said eight diverse food companies had received second round funding from the Growing Queensland’s Food Exports program, including Ironbark Citrus at Mundubbera and Gin Gin and Dry at Gin Gin.
“From Honey Murcott to Sunset Sweet, Ironbark Citrus know and grow them all,” Mr Furner said.
“Susan and Allen Jenkin produce over 5000 tonnes of premium mandarins each year and word must have spread, because it seems the world has developed an appetite for Ironbark Citrus.
“The grant will allow them to expand into Asia’s southeast, with high-value, premium mandarins on its way to the Philippines this season.”
Cameron and Muppi Dean from Gin Gin and Dry have developed a strong following in Queensland and this funding will see their business expand into Asia.
“I’m sure it won’t take long for Asia to fall in love with Gin Gin and Dry’s range of dried pineapple, mango, banana and apple,” Mr Furner said.
“Not to mention the new facility completed at the end of 2017 that increased capacity four-fold – Cameron and Muppi are ready for that next step.
“They are well on their way to becoming yet another international success story of Queensland horticulture.
“Consumers love quality produce and they know it’s found in the Sunshine State.”
Growing Queensland’s Food Exports grants support regional producers already exporting or ready to export break in to lucrative overseas markets and supply chains.
The $1.3 million pilot program aims to boost Queensland’s food exports, delivering jobs and economic growth in regional areas.
“Not only is this a big win for the Wide Bay businesses, but for suppliers right across the state because with increased demand comes more jobs,” Mr Furner said.
“So far, we’ve assisted macadamia, mango, melon, strawberry, sweet corn and pork producers to build their business capability to take advantage of opportunities to grow exports,” Mr Furner said.
The Growing Queensland’s Food Exports program focuses primarily on horticulture as Queensland is Australia’s largest producer of vegetables and the second largest producer of fruit and nuts.
More than $550,000 has already been allocated under the program.
