The latest cohort of Brisbane Economic Development Agency’s (BEDA) Future Food Global Accelerator features a diverse mix of best-selling authors, family-run businesses, First Nations enterprises and sustainable brands. 

Now in its eighth year, this month-long program provides personalised support, helping businesses navigate key challenges and connecting them with leading industry experts to accelerate their path to global success. 

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the diverse cohort reflected Brisbane’s growing creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. 

“From innovative startups to beloved local brands, our food and beverage scene is part of what makes Brisbane a fantastic place to live, work and relax,” Cr Schrinner said. 

“We’re proud to support local businesses as they serve up their products to a global audience and secure exciting opportunities for international expansion. 

“Our Future Food Global Accelerator is one of many initiatives we deliver to support startups and grow Brisbane’s international reputation as a great place to do business. 

“With our strong manufacturing capabilities, world-class research institutions and thriving culinary scene, Brisbane is the place to turn bold ideas into reality.” 

According to BEDA’s State of The City report, Brisbane’s advanced manufacturing sector is growing at a rate five times faster than the national average. 

With its proximity offering direct access to the Asia-Pacific market – home to a $90 trillion GDP and 47% of global trade – Brisbane is uniquely positioned to give local manufacturers a competitive edge on the global stage. 

Australia’s largest grower of Valencia oranges, Grove Juice, joins the 2025 cohort. The vertically integrated citrus farming and juicing business has chosen Brisbane as its headquarters, drawn by the city’s skilled workforce and proximity to major ports. 

“We pick our citrus in Moree one day, juice it in Warwick the next day, and can have it bottled and on a truck or ship the day after that,” said Greg Quinn, Grove Juice CEO. “

Brisbane is an excellent city to grow a world class business because of its location and availability of a highly skilled and passionate workforce. 

"We're excited to join the Future Food Initiative, where we’ll connect with industry-leading experts, mentors and resources to accelerate our growth, expand globally and bring our vision to new markets. 

“With our sights set on the world stage, a Brisbane HQ puts Grove Juice in the perfect position to be the juice of the Brisbane Olympics.”

Since 2018, BEDA’s Future Food Initiative has supported over 400 businesses including big names Merlo Coffee, Hilton Foods, JBS Food Australia and New Farm Confectionary.

The 2025 Future Food Global Accelerator Program will run throughout February, giving companies direct access to industry experts, tailored mentoring and the tools they need to scale and grow into international markets. 

For more information about BEDA’s Future Food Initiative, visit the Choose Brisbane website.

Brisbane’s 2025 Future Food Global Accelerator cohort

• Brooki Bakehouse – Viral sensation Brooki Bakehouse is no stranger to customers lining up around the block. Serving freshly baked products in Brisbane, the team ships across Australia and the globe. 
• Carbonaught – With expertise spanning mining to AI, Carbonaught is pioneering a new era in low-emission agriculture. 
• Dhuwa Coffee (Aromas) – Born from the legacy of First Nations people and the shared passion of Bunji Enterprises and Aromas Coffee Roasters, Dhuwa is creating a sustainable future for coffee. 
• Good Morning Coffee – Alongside in-café dining, Good Morning Coffee offers a unique drive-thru experience, delivering the best barista coffee quickly and conveniently. 
• Grove Juice – Grove’s network of family farms works together to plant, grow, harvest, select and squeeze every last drop so customers enjoy 100% natural, farm-quality juice. 
• Hampson Honey – Hampson Honey is a family business with a genuine passion for its people, partners and the planet. Owners Carl and Karin Hampson pride themselves on ethical farming, focusing the bee’s needs at the centre of their operations. 
• Kakadu Organics – The Aboriginal-owned, female-led Kakadu Organics is on a mission to share the beauty and wisdom of native botanicals while empowering First Nations women to thrive in business. 
• King International Operations – King International Operations is passionate about making quality, sustainable, plant-based products for everyone, regardless of dietary requirements or lifestyle choices. 
• Kitchen Daddy – Kitchen Daddy works with clients to manage the entire food manufacturing process, from recipe creation, production, and product packaging to supply chain consultancy services. 
• Nutritional Wholesome Blends – Wholesome Blends is Australasia’s first wholefood offering for the tube-fed community. Founded by Sarah Thomas in 2017 and inspired by her family’s story, the shelf-stable pouches are filled with all-natural, silky-smooth blends of fresh fruits, vegetables and proteins.
• Saucy Wench Gourmet Foods – Condiment queen Saucy Wench has developed a cult following for her Asian sauces, condiments and ready-to-cook dumplings. 
• Summer Land Camels - Situated in the fertile volcanic crater of the Scenic Rim, Summer Land Farm is the perfect place to nurture camels and welcome visitors. Its product range includes Camel Milk Dairy Products, Camel Milk Skincare, Camel Milk Powder, and Camel Milk and Honey Vodka. 
• Sunny Queen – Sunny Queen Farms has produced Australia’s smiley-faced eggs for over 50 years, with an im-peck-able reputation for taste, quality and animal welfare. 
• The Lime Caviar Company – The Lime Caviar Company is the world’s only producer of finger lime caviar, farmed by premier growers in Queensland and northern New South Wales. 
• Tom’s Confectionery Warehouse – With stores in Brisbane and Melbourne, Tom’s Confectionary Warehouse has stocked an extensive range of lollies, confectionery and gifts since 1982.