Flavours of the Sunshine Coast on show at Fine Food Australia

Testament to the growth and innovation in Sunshine Coast’s food industry, the region will be showcased on a “Flavours of the Sunshine Coast” stand for the first time at Fine Food Australia in Sydney in September.

The initiative is one of a number that the Sunshine Coast Council and Food & Agribusiness Network (FAN) are partnering on to drive new growth opportunities in the region’s food and agribusiness industry.

The Sunshine Coast is a foodie haven that is rich in agricultural history, with a sub-tropical climate, sun-drenched days, reliable rainfall, rich soils and clean air with a thriving value add processing industry.

Sunshine Coast exhibitors at Fine Food Australia will showcase a range of world class, innovative products including:

• Gourmet Garden Australia’s most visible retail product in the world has an innovative range of herb pastes, lightly dried herbs, spices and seasonings.
• QCamel Who knew that camel milk was not only a viable product, but nature’s healthiest milk AND produced on the Sunshine Coast? QCamel is committed to organic, ethical and sustainable farming practices.
• COYO Their organic award winning coconut milk yoghurt and ice creams are not only renowned for their unbeatable quality, taste and health benefits, but are a favourite product of celebrity chef Nigella Lawson and have been featured heavily across the UK media.
• The Country Chef Bakery Co Not only do they use eight million Queensland bananas each year in their famous Banana Bread, they’ve just opened the largest pavlova factory in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Montville Coffee A multi award-winning Fairtrade Organic coffee roaster with a range of whole bean and ground coffee launching a hand-crafted Monty Organic Cold Brew Concentrate. Enjoy their memorable coffee experiences and contribute to using businesses as a force for good.
• Sunlife Superfoods/Freeze Dry Industries Patented world class commercial freeze drying technology, adding value to otherwise perishable foods such as fruit, ice cream, cheese and even camel milk.

Sunshine Coast Council Economic Development and Innovation Portfolio Cr Steve Robinson said Fine Food Australia provided an incredible opportunity to showcase some of the region’s finest foods on a national stage.

“The food and agribusiness industry on the Sunshine Coast continues to grow. It is now worth $670 million and features more than 900 companies, including some of Australia’s leading food innovators and exporters,” Cr Robinson said.

“Our support to these companies and partnership with FAN is also vital to support our export and employment growth and we look forward to showing the rest of Australia what’s here and our supportive business environment at Fine Food Australia.

“So, while you may be tempted by the fruits of another region’s produce while visiting Fine Food Australia, follow your nose and head directly to the Sunshine Coast’s exhibitors who will delight you with their exceptional flair for exquisite fayre.”

Food & Agribusiness Network (FAN) general manager Emma Greenhatch said the Sunshine Coast has become a thriving food production and processing location, with a strong culture of collaboration and innovation.

“The Sunshine Coast is an ideal location to honour the harvest and join the flavour destination revolution,” Emma said.

“The local food and agribusiness industry on the Sunshine Coast could very well be Australia’s best kept secret, with world class naturally refreshing produce created by talented local artisans and innovators.”

For more information about Fine Food Australia visit finefoodaustralia.com.au.