Queensland is home to a growing number of local producers and the State Government wants to support more purveyors of tasty treats to get their products to market.
Minister for Employment and Small Business Shannon Fentiman launched the Supporting Artisan Producers plan at the Brisbane City Markets alongside local stall holders. “Whether its honey or macadamia nuts, chocolates or jams, cheeses or gluten-free goodies, Queensland’s artisan producers are creating one of a kind food and beverage products,” Ms Fentiman said.
The Supporting Artisan Producers plan will also see the launch of a new grant. The $5000 grants can be used for professional advice to take their business to the next level or develop a website or digital marketing campaign to help them work smarter and enhance their online presence. The initiative also will include ways to better improve licensing and process requirements for artisanal food and non-alcoholic beverage producers to sell their product.
Mark Power, founder of Goodwill Projects who host a variety of iconic Brisbane farmer’s markets welcomed the launch of the plan to promote and assist the growing artisan community. “Local stall holders are already stocking their beverages in store across Australia and we want to help other local producers like them to expand locally, and internationally,” Mr Power said.
Other things that are part of the plan include the introduction of the Queensland Business Launch Pad. The project will deliver a customer journey-based platform for small businesses in the food and beverage sector to better understand their start-up and compliance requirements. Queensland Craft Brewing Strategy will also be a new feature of the plan helping craft brewers to access the market more easily.
