The food and grocery manufacturing industry in South East Queensland generated more than $7.5 billion last year, a new economic snapshot has found.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the industry is a vitally important contributor to the local economy, as shown in the Australian Food and Grocery Council’s South East Queensland Economic Snapshot 2018/2019.

“Australian manufacturing is an important part of our economy, it’s a big employer in our cities and regions, and creates innovative and valuable products and services – and this is nowhere more evident than in South East Queensland,” Minister Andrews said.

“The report shows the food and grocery manufacturing industry employed nearly 12,000 people across the region in 2018, representing 19.4 per cent of all manufacturing jobs and two per cent of total jobs in South East Queensland.

“The Morrison Government is determined to support local manufacturing, by building on our strengths and grasping new opportunities using new technologies to create high value jobs.

“This report demonstrates that with the right settings in place, the industry will continue to grow from strength to strength.”

The food and grocery manufacturing industry generated $7.68 billion in 2018, representing 29.1 per cent of South East Queensland’s manufacturing output.

Minister Andrews saw first-hand the contribution of a local success story, while attending the launch of the report at the Vege Chip Company in Currumbin on the Gold Coast.

“It was fantastic to meet with workers of this successful business, which has grown from humble market beginnings to distributing its products across Australia and overseas,” Minister Andrews said.

“This company in my electorate is a great example of what Queensland food and beverage manufacturing businesses can achieve when they combine an innovative idea with hard work and perseverance.”

The Australian Food and Grocery Council’s South East Queensland Economic Snapshot 2018/2019 can be accessed from www.afgc.org.au

Media contact: Minister Andrews' office 02 6277 7070