Three Queensland based First Nations native food companies have completed the state government’s pilot of its Indigenous Native Food Program (INFP). The companies were FIGJAM and Co, Yaala Sparkling, and Beechtree Distilling Co.
INFP was developed to find opportunities for scalable Indigenous native food business, going some way to address the disconnect between the Indigenous food industry being worth $50 million but with fewer than two per cent of native food products being made by First Nations People.
The three companies received targeted support from researchers including consumer led formulation development, process development and practical scale up, packaging selection, product shelf-life assessment and validation, and consumer and sensory assessment.
They also had opportunities to connect with raw material and equipment suppliers, contract manufacturers, marketers, and distributors.
FIGJAM owner Jacob Davidson said INFP was a “massive stepping-stone” for the business.
“It was more than a mentorship. The team were pragmatic in their approach and their scientific knowledge and previous industry experience has helped us get to the next stage in upscaling our business,” Davidson said.
The program helped FIGJAM review its condiment range, production methodology, raw materials, costs, supply, and labelling. Products will now be formulated to meet regulatory requirements, ensure optimum flavour, texture and nutrition are maintained through shelf life, and prepare for scale-up trials, and bulk manufacture.
“The team brought together in a scientific background and understanding of testing and standards, and an industry background of manufacturing techniques and knowledge of ingredients.
“Our end product now tastes even better and has an extended use by date,” Davidson said.
Yaala Sparkling is being assisted to modify its products in line with findings from physico-chemical testing and consumer feedback. The team will be developing new products, which will be scaled up in preparation for bulk manufacture.
Beachtree Distilling Co will be supported to assess new production methodologies, source, and screen raw materials, and develop a new range of products with native food ingredients. This will enable the company to process these products, scale up manufacturing and diversify their product offering.
The program is a collaboration between Department and Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) and Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport (DTIS).
Queensland innovation minister Stirling Hinchcliffe said, “This innovative program is designed to support First Nations-led start-ups to grow local jobs and expertise.
“The potential to create new commercial First Nations cuisine opportunities at home and overseas is enormous.”
The government is also keenly aware that with the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon, the next nine years provides an ideal runway to build and support a cohort of First Nations owned and operated food companies.
Minister for Treaty and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Leeanne Enoch said, “The Palaszczuk government is proud to recognise and elevate First Nations businesses in Queensland, continuing to develop economic opportunities for Traditional Owners, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and businesses.
“This is particularly important in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, where Queensland’s unique native foods and businesses will be showcased on the world stage.”
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner added, “We want Queensland Indigenous businesses to get the opportunity to display their creativity, innovation, and culture by helping them to get the best from their product offering.
“I hope Queenslanders will get behind these businesses like we have and give their products a go.”
Click here for more information on the INFP.
