³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾

A Brisbane-based producer will soon be conquering the Chinese market with funding from the Palaszczuk Government to help undertake consumer research.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said Perfection Fresh Pty Ltd at Rocklea was one of eight diverse food companies to receive second round funding from the Growing Queensland’s Food Exports program.

“Perfection Fresh are one of those family businesses the community trusts and loves,” Mr Furner said.

“They’ve been bringing us the freshest Broccolini, vine-ripened tomatoes and sweet berries for over forty years.

“To see them now explore the international export market is great news for their 500 staff and a testament to Queensland’s agricultural industry.”

Mr Furner said the funding will help Perfection Fresh target Chinese markets by undertaking consumer research.

“I know it won’t take long for Chinese consumers to fall in love with the quality of the produce, just as we all have,” he said.

“With this growth comes benefits for the local economy and more jobs for Queenslanders.”

Mr Furner said Growing Queensland’s Food Exports supports producers to break in to lucrative overseas markets and supply chains.

“This $1.3 million pilot program aims to boost Queensland’s food exports, delivering jobs and economic growth in regional areas,” Mr Furner said.

“By providing matching grants of up to $100,000, the Palaszczuk Government is supporting producers and food businesses to improve their export competitiveness through better understanding of their markets.

“So far, we’ve assisted macadamia, mango, melon, strawberry, sweet corn and pork producers to build their business capability to take advantage of opportunities to grow exports.”

The Growing Queensland’s Food Exports program focuses primarily on horticulture as Queensland is Australia’s largest producer of vegetables and the second largest producer of fruit and nuts.

More than $550,000 had already been allocated under the program.