A Sunshine Coast business, which provides beef to McDonald’s, has claimed a coveted gong at The Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards.

Kilcoy Global Foods was recognised as an outstanding export success story at a special function in Brisbane.

It was judged the winner in the Agribusiness, Food and Beverages Category.

From its headquarters at Birtinya, KGF manages the production, distribution, and export of eight million cartons of premium beef annually to more than 35 global markets.

KGF is also a major supplier to Australian supermarkets, food wholesalers, fine dining establishments and family restaurants including McDonald’s.

The local business joined 34 other leading exporters from across the state at the awards function, to celebrate the products and services Queensland is sharing across the globe.

Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson congratulated KGF on its achievements and noted its resilience and tenacity to overcome the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Kilcoy Global Foods is an outstanding example of an innovative business that chose to base its headquarters on the Sunshine Coast and sell to the world,” he said.

“Their export success highlights the great business environment and opportunities that exist on the Sunshine Coast.

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“Exporting is one of the keys to future economic resilience on the Sunshine Coast and our Regional Economic Development Strategy aims for 20 per cent of locally produced goods and services to be produced for export by 2033.”

KGF President Australian Division Jiah Falcke said he was pleased his company’s export achievements had been recognised, particularly as the South-East Queensland-based company continued to grow its market share, despite the challenges of the past 18 months.

“Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve still managed to grow our export base beyond our traditional key markets of South Korea, Japan and the USA to secure emerging markets such as Indonesia, the Philippines and Taiwan,” Mr Falcke said.

“Between Birtinya and Kilcoy where the processing plant is located, we employ around 1600-plus people from 53 nationalities, and winning this export award is a credit to the dedication and commitment of our staff and the culture we have created.”

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Kunda Park-based business Advanced Aquarium Technologies was also a finalist at the event.

AAT was established in 1996, thanks to the vision and dedication of John Langmead, a diver and then senior manager at a commercial aquarium.

The Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards were coordinated by the Export Council of Australia on behalf of Trade and Investment Queensland. The annual event acknowledged businesses in Queensland engaged in international trade and recognises their innovation, passion, and achievements.

KGF will represent Queensland at the national awards, to be held in Canberra on November 27.

For more information on the awards visit www.exportawards.qld.gov.au/.