Layer by layer, Priestley’s Gourmet Delights has risen from a suburban dessert supplier to one of Brisbane’s sweetest advanced manufacturing success stories.
From its smart factory in Acacia Ridge, the company now produces hundreds of thousands of desserts each week - and is eyeing an even bigger slice of the global market.
That remarkable rise earned Priestley’s Gourmet Delights both the Business Transformation Award and the prestigious Optus Platinum Award at the 2025 Lord Mayor’s Business Awards.
For CEO and Managing Director Xanny Christophersen, cake is more than a business; it’s in her blood. Her aunt Marilyn founded the company almost three decades ago as a dessert distribution business, sourcing fresh cakes in Brisbane and delivering them to the Sunshine Coast.
“I have fond memories of those early years,” Xanny recalls. “During the school holidays I’d go with Aunt Marilyn to deliver orders, or help pack boxes for customers. It’s been part of my life for as long as I can remember.”
By 1996, Priestley’s Gourmet Delights had moved into manufacturing its own products from a modest base in Milton. Four factory moves later, the company now operates from a cutting-edge facility in Acacia Ridge. Xanny has worked across the business in various roles, from plant manager to COO, before stepping into the CEO role 18 months ago.
“I love working at Priestley’s,” she says. “It’s still a family business, and I’m proud to be the second generation leading it.”
For more than 20 years, the Lord Mayor’s Business Awards have recognised excellence, ambition and impact across Brisbane’s business community.
In November 2025, Priestley’s Gourmet Delights’ success was recognised with two prestigious awards - named the winner of the Business Transformation Award and the Optus Platinum Award as the most outstanding business success of the year.
Xanny Christophersen says winning the Lord Mayor’s Business Award was a really proud moment for Priestley's Gourmet Delights.
“As a 30-year-old family business, it helped us step out from behind the scenes, feel recognised for what we’ve built, and gave both our brand and our team a genuine sense of pride and optimism for what’s ahead,” Ms Christophersen said.
“Since winning, Priestley's Gourmet Delights has seen meaningful growth in visibility and brand recognition, which has translated into stronger commercial opportunities. We’ve had increased media interest and profiling, along with more inbound conversations from larger customers who are now more aware of who we are and what we can do! (Make lots of delicious cakes).”
High-tech, hand-finished
The company’s growth has been powered by a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. “We call it ‘pushing for better’,” Xanny says, “and we apply that approach to everything we do.”
At its $53 million, 7,740-square-metre ‘smart factory’ in Acacia Ridge, autonomous bakers and tray stackers keep production moving, while robotic systems transport racks to ovens, automate case packing in freezers and track freezing times to optimise logistics. Each product is monitored by computer systems that log everything from temperature to location, while machine learning algorithms manage ingredient levels.
These innovations place Priestley’s firmly within Brisbane’s advanced manufacturing sector, which contributed $15 billion to the local economy in 2024. Yet even with this level of automation, people remain at the heart of the business.
“We’ve actually increased headcount by 28 since moving to this facility,” Xanny says. “The focus has been on upskilling staff and creating a safer, more engaging workplace, with robots taking on the repetitive tasks and heavy lifting that can cause injuries, while ensuring every product is still hand-finished with care.”
Some roles that were once manual have evolved into new opportunities – staff now operate manufacturing execution systems, input data and oversee production. But other roles, such as taste-testing, quality control and decorating, remain firmly in human hands.
Xanny’s involvement in the Queensland Manufacturing Advisory Council reflects a broader commitment to the sector’s future, from advocating for women in manufacturing to shaping policy that supports industry growth.
“I’m passionate about Brisbane’s economy and the strength of its manufacturing sector,” she says. “Being part of that growth is exciting for our business and for Brisbane.”
Sustainability is another driver of innovation. Solar panels cover the roof, offsetting daytime energy use, while ovens have been converted from gas to electric. “We also source locally,” Xanny adds, “to reduce our carbon emissions and make sure the materials we need can get here in as little time as possible.”
That approach has fostered deep, long-term partnerships with fellow Brisbane businesses, from a 29-year relationship with Sunny Queen Australia to working with Trisco Foods for toppings and fillings. These connections exemplify how Brisbane fosters collaboration and long-term partnerships, creating an ecosystem where businesses can thrive together.
Priestley’s is also an active member of BEDA’s Future Food Initiative, which connects local businesses with international markets through accelerators, export readiness programs and industry-led forums.
“Through the Future Food Initiative, we’ve built networks, sharpened our innovation capability, and embedded consumer needs at the centre of product development,” Xanny says. “It’s also helped us adopt AI and other advanced technologies.”
Local flavours, global ambitions
Looking ahead, Xanny is clear about her ambitions: “I often joke about world domination, one cake at a time,” she laughs. “But we genuinely want to take a slice of Brisbane to the world.”
Priestley’s is exploring export opportunities in South Korea, Singapore and the UAE, while continuing to expand its Australian footprint. “By 2032, our goal is to double the business,” she says. “We’d even love to be the official cake partner of the Olympics.”
Their ambitions align with the city’s momentum. Brisbane’s food and beverage exports are forecast to grow 43% by 2031, supported by the city’s strategic location and growing economic influence as a launchpad into Asia-Pacific markets.
Ultimately, the success of Priestley’s Gourmet Delights reflects the wider opportunity Brisbane offers: a family-founded business scaling nationally, embracing advanced manufacturing and preparing for international growth, all within a city that champions innovation and collaboration.
As Priestley’s takes its next steps, from new markets to ambitious growth targets, it does so as part of Brisbane’s thriving business ecosystem.
“What I really like is that Brisbane's brand has grown with ours,” Xanny says. “There are bold ambitions for Brisbane, and we have bold ambitions for Priestley’s. We’ve got amazing products, amazing people and enormous opportunity ahead – and Brisbane is the perfect place to grow from.”
When asked what advice they would give to someone considering applying for the awards, they didn’t hesitate: "Honestly, just give it a crack. If you’re looking to build your profile, it’s absolutely worth it. It’s not just about winning, it’s a great platform to step back and really think about your story, the impact you’re having, and what makes your business different. We found the process really enjoyable, putting our story together and doing the pitch were proud moments for the team.”
Applications for the 2026 Lord Mayor’s Business Awards are now open. If your business is investing in Brisbane, building capability and contributing to the city’s future, now is the time to put your story forward.
