About 100 of South-East Queensland’s best food and drink producers have showcased their products to more than 200 buyers in an impressive display of small business entrepreneurialism, innovation and talent.
Now in its fifth year, Meet the Makers sees a wide variety of artisan producers come together at the start of Small Business Month, drawing attention to the role small business plays in the broader Sunshine Coast economy.
“It is not easy for individual producers to get in front of one buyer, let alone 200 of them, and what Meet the Makers has done is create an event that makes it easy to showcase your products and where buyers can easily see and taste them,” acting Food and Agribusiness Network CEO Nicole McNaughton said.
“Over the past five years, we have seen both our exhibitor and buyer numbers grow to a point where this year we have over 200 buyers. This is just incredible and it’s a record for us.
“In the lead-up to this event we do a lot of work with our exhibitors to ensure they are market-ready so that when an offer comes in from a buyer, they know they can deliver.
“It makes us proud to have created this platform that showcases some truly world-class products in a way that makes it easy to also transact business.”
Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said the Queensland Government was proud to support the event, which this year was held at Aussie World in Palmview.
“From baked goods and craft brews to pantry staples and spirits, we know some of the most innovative and tempting food and beverage products come from businesses based in and around the beautiful and bountiful Sunshine Coast,” Ms Farmer said.
“A highlight of Queensland Small Business Month, Meet the Makers offers more than just a tasty morsel – over the past five years it’s grown into the Food and Agribusiness Network’s signature event, attracting buyers, industry members and passionate foodies from across the country, and providing vital networking opportunities.”
Officially opening this year’s event was Queensland Small Business Commissioner Dominique Lamb.
“Meet the Makers is a wonderful opportunity for small businesses to create and nurture valuable commercial connections,” she said.
“This is a great time to make sure we not only pop in for a visit but celebrate the hard work of small businesses and, of course, shop locally.”
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