The 2023 Queensland Export Awards has officially launched in the region by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk while visiting last year’s top winner, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks.
The Premier has encouraged Queensland’s top exporters to enter the awards with applications opening next week on May 2.
For more than 30 years the awards have showcased the best exporters taking on the world across a wide range of categories from agribusiness to professional services and manufacturing.
“Our state has a $145 billion export industry that goes from strength to strength,” The Premier said.
“One-in-five Queensland jobs are linked to the export sector and our regions play a huge role with around 40 per cent of our more than 7000 exporting businesses based in regional Queensland.
“Queensland is well and truly out front when it comes to exports and these awards are an opportunity for the hard work, perseverance and achievements of entrants to be acknowledged and honoured.
“I’m also proud that we are the first state to introduce a First Nations category honouring Indigenous exporters.”
Last year Bundaberg Brewed Drinks won the major Queensland Exporter of the Year Award after also winning the Agribusiness, Food and Beverages category.
The local company impressed judges with its significant export success, product quality and continual range development.
Bundaberg Brew Drinks CEO, John McLean, encouraged Queensland exporters to take the time to enter the awards.
“As a family-owned business, it’s so rewarding to be recognised at this level,” he said.
“The competition is at such a high level, and across a diverse range of industry.
“As a regional business, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks is very proud of winning this award and we thank the Queensland Government for the opportunity to participate.”
Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith said from humble beginnings, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks had grown from a local business to a Queensland icon, and now an award-winning exporter on the world stage.
“Demonstrating a combination of primary and value-add industries that are critical to the region, they are a significant local employer of more than 260 Bundy workers,” he said.
“It was a real thrill to be on hand last year as John and the team took out the title as number one Queensland exporter and encourage all other local exporters to apply for these well-earned awards.”
2023 Queensland Export Awards
Queensland companies can apply now in 13 national categories and two state-based categories from agribusiness to creative industries, with entries closing on Friday, June 9.
Judging is by a panel of experienced business leaders from across industry, with winners named at an Awards Gala in Brisbane in October.
Past finalists and winners have included small and large exporters from all over Queensland.
There are separate categories for the Small Business Award, Regional Exporter Award and Emerging Exporter Award, so regardless of exporters size or location, they are able to compete.
Further details on the awards can be found at exportawards.qld.gov.au
