Supporting Queensland food and beverages
As outlined in the Queensland Procurement Policy, we have committed to prioritising Buy Queensland first when purchasing food and beverages.
This includes:
- prioritising food and beverages made, grown or produced in Queensland in food and beverage procurement activities (including functions and events)
- using the Queensland Government Food and Beverage Supplier Directory to help identify potential suppliers.
When purchasing Queensland food and beverages, we will:
- support local businesses and jobs
- reduce transport and our carbon footprint
- support regional Queensland
- support animal welfare.
By identifying and planning for these opportunities, we will:
- ensure Queensland food and beverages are used, wherever possible, and
- ensure suppliers (such as caterers or event organisers) partner with Queensland food and beverage suppliers.
Food and beverage supplier directory
The Queensland Government Food and Beverage Supplier Directory lists food and beverage businesses supporting Queensland jobs. We recommend using Google Chrome to view and search.
Businesses can apply to be listed if they:
- have a physical Queensland presence
- employ Queenslanders
- supply food and beverages that are either grown, made or produced in Queensland
- warrant compliance with the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 and regulations, related codes, standards and guidelines.
Queensland Government buyers
The Queensland Government has enhanced its commitment to prioritising Buy Queensland first. This means Queensland Government buyers are required to Buy Queensland first for food and beverages wherever possible.
In addition, Queensland Government buyers must include, in invitation and contract documentation used for the procurement of food and beverages, a provision requiring suppliers who are also a person in charge of animals (as defined in the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001) used to produce food and beverages provided to the Queensland Government, to warrant compliance with the Act and regulations, related codes, standards and guidelines as a minimum.
Learn how to implement Buy Queensland for food and beverage purchases.
Contact us
Email foodandbeverage@qld.gov.au for more information.
Show transcript
The Queensland Government’s Buy Queensland approach to procurement puts Queenslanders first, ensuring government funds are used to support local businesses and jobs in our state.
The Queensland Procurement Policy sets out the government’s commitment to prioritise Buy Queensland first for food and beverages made, grown or produced in Queensland.
You can use the Directory to help identify potential suppliers - and put Queensland on the menu!
The Directory is a great way to find local suppliers who have a physical Queensland presence, employ Queenslanders, and supply food and beverages that are either grown, made or produced in Queensland.
From Gold Coast Bakeries to North Queensland produce, and everything in between, the Directory is a rich resource with details of over 550 suppliers of delicious, home-grown and produced food and beverages.
If you know about a business who might meet the criteria and isn’t on the directory, tell them about it and encourage them to apply to have their details included. Getting more local products on Queensland tables is good for all Queenslanders!
So the next time you need to buy food and / or beverages, simply jump online and search the directory at qld.gov.au/buyqueensland.
Using the Directory is easy!
If you know the type of business, product or location you’re looking for, you can enter the details into the search bar.
Or you can use the filters to find what you need.
For example, if you’re looking for a social enterprise in the Brisbane area you can select ‘social enterprise’ under business type, and then select the regions under the ‘Regions or location’ tab.
Refining your search will help you to connect with local businesses even faster!
Now you’re ready to make contact with your chosen supplier.
You’ve heard the expression that word of mouth is a great recommendation—so make sure you tell your friends and family that members of the public are also welcomed to use the Directory for both business and private functions.
It’s been a fantastic effort to get more than 550 suppliers listed on the Directory, and we’re keen to have more involved.
And remember, when you choose food and beverages that are grown, made or produced in Queensland you are also supporting local businesses, improving jobs, and strengthening our economy.
[Sharon Bailey] “We are very keen to Buy Queensland, not only because it helps the local economy but because it grows those businesses and those businesses bring so much benefit to their local community.”