Eleven Brisbane businesses to benefit from the 2024 Future Food Global Accelerator program

A second-generation Indigenous catering and condiments business taking Indigenous flavours global, a company using seaweed technology to reduce methane-emissions in livestock, and a business that has created a world-first freeze-dried goat feta are among the cohort that will participate in Brisbane Economic Development Agency’s (BEDA) 2024 Future Food Global Accelerator program.

Eleven Brisbane-based businesses looking to further grow on a domestic and international scale, as well as secure investment in their world-first food and beverage innovations, will embark on an eight-week global readiness program commencing in February.

The Global Accelerator program, which will be facilitated by industry-leading experts and the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), aims to assist companies in pursuing funding and distribution partners to expand their operations and explore entry into new and international markets. 

BEDA’s Future Food Initiative has supported more than 400 businesses since 2018.

Indigenous-owned and operated catering business FigJam & Co and manufacturer of gourmet condiments range FigJam Collections is one of the Brisbane businesses participating in the program.

The Stones Corner business, which serves up Indigenous and bushland ingredients and flavours, was founded by Jason Davidson, a descendant of the Gunditjmara and Ngarrindjeri mobs from SW Victoria and SE South Australia. 

FigJam & Co works with First Nations growers, producers and social enterprises to source seasonal ingredients and superfoods for its gourmet condiments.

Head of strategy Jacob Davidson said FigJam & Co was very keen to participate in the accelerator program and that it 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,” Davidson 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.

“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.”

Currently, FigJam & Co has 14 employees across the board.

When asked what he would like to get out of the program, Davidson said he wanted to create a framework and direction for taking novel Indigenous foods and having them export-ready.

“The future goals of the game would be to educate, inspire and give the world a taste of our bush food ingredients that come from Australia,” he said. 

“So through our condiment range, and our new income sources and preserves and other export products we’re working on with our suppliers, we’re looking to make this product acceptable and available overseas.

“We want FigJam as one of the flagship businesses that will get these products abroad and also be able to create economic opportunities for the community for our supply chain which is still emerging and developing at the moment.”

Davidson said the top five countries FigJam & Co wants to roll into is Singapore, with the first order on its way, Malaysia, the UK, the US and Canada.

Lord Mayor of Brisbane 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,” Cr 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.”

Brisbane’s FY24 Future Food cohort

FigJam & Co – 100% Indigenous-owned and operated, FigJam & Co integrates native bush food ingredients from First Nations-owned and operated properties and social enterprises across Australia into a catering offering for corporate events and manufactured condiments.

FutureFeed – Established by CSIRO, FutureFeed has been driving commercialisation of Asparagopsis (seaweed) technology as a livestock feed ingredient to lower ruminant methane emissions.

Gourmet Taste Creations – Gourmet Taste Creations creates artisan condiments, specialising in dry mixes such as dip mixes, spice blends, meat rubs, dukkahs, dressing mixes and soup mixes.

Hilton Foods – A protein processor and food solutions business, Hilton Foods creates innovative new products and tech in the food sector, working across five categories: meat, seafood, vegan & vegetarian, easier meals, and services.

Lilly’s Little Lunchbox – With a mission to be the world’s largest and healthiest tuckshop, Lilly’s Little Lunchbox produces a diverse array of fresh and nutritious pre-made meals specifically designed for children, to support busy parents.

Little White Goat Cheese – Little White Goat Cheese is a Moreton Bay grazier of goats and producer of goat, buffalo and camel feta and cheeses providing products to many Brisbane restaurants. The business also created a world-first freeze-dried goat feta that has an ambient shelf life of 18 months.

New Farm Confectionery – New Farm Confectionery is a gourmet confectionery company that specialises in handcrafting artisanal sweets.

OMG! Decadent Donuts – OMG! Decadent Donuts strives to create delicious hot fresh donuts that can be enjoyed by people with dietary requirements, food intolerances or food allergies.

Reclaim Foods – Reclaim Foods is redefining how we use organic waste by upcycling surplus food into new, more valuable food products, such as nutrient-rich meals or snack alternatives.

Ugly Duck Fine Foods – Ugly Duck Fine Foods sources ugly, imperfect fruit and vegetables and transforms them into delicious condiments, such as fruit spreads, chutneys, relishes and fruit pastes.

Yaala Sparkling – Yaala Sparkling is a women-led, Indigenous-owned, beverage company with a native twist. The business produces beverages that incorporate flavours from Indigenous and native Australian plants.