Doors open to Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry, showcasing the region’s quality produce and agritourism experiences

Kandanga Farm Store

The doors to Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry were officially opened today in front of dignitaries, farmers, producers and tourism operators, at Nutworks in Yandina.

Developed in partnership with Visit Sunshine Coast (VSC) and the Food & Agribusiness Network (FAN), Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry is a distinct, unified brand that showcases the breadth of the region’s quality of produce and agritourism experiences.

The campaign has been funded by the Palaszczuk Government through the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

“The greater Sunshine Coast is home to a truly diverse range of makers, growers, producers, distillers, brewers and supporters – who are all passionate about their produce, products and region,” said Nicole McNaughton CEO of FAN.

“We’re delighted to officially open the doors to Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry –and showcase our region’s truly collaborative, innovative and tasty food, beverage and agritourism industry – via this campaign.”

Eastwell Farm

“In partnership with Visit Sunshine Coast and other key regional stakeholders – supported by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry campaign not only aims to position our region as a leading food and agritourism destination – but also create a host of new market opportunities for our regions’ producers and makers,” Ms McNaughton said.

Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel described Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry as “a platform to share what’s distinct about our food, drink and agritourism experiences, and it does so through one voice”.

“We know visitors travel with their stomachs and so we wanted to make sure the Sunshine Coast is recognised for its natural abundance, quality of produce and range of culinary experiences,” said Mr Stoeckel.

“We anticipate that our Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry campaign will attract more foodies to come to the Sunshine Coast and experience it for themselves.”

Queensland Minister for Agricultural Industry Development Mark Furner said the Sunshine Pantry brought together industry, local government, and destination management agencies to drive food and agritourism initiatives that support industry growth and regional economic resilience.

“The Palaszczuk Government is supporting the Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry Campaign and the Project Crafted through a $400,000 grant from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries’ $2 million Agribusiness Diversification initiative,” he said.

“It’s also entirely appropriate for the official launch to be here at Nutworks because we know people across the world are going nuts for Sunshine Coast produce and destination experiences.

“From the array of craft beers and unique distillers to award-winning cheeses, yoghurts and ice creams, not forgetting some of the best seafood in the world, the Sunshine Coast is a larder of gourmet opportunities.

“Kayak with dolphins, sail the Pacific Ocean, hike the coastline or cruise the Mooloolaba River – all these terrific experiences – and so many more – are all now inside the one Sunshine Pantry.”

Sunshine Pantry has been created as part of the wider Project CRAFTED initiative, which has been developed in partnership with FAN and Visit Sunshine Coast and in collaboration with regional partners including Sunshine Coast Council, Noosa Council, Moreton Bay Regional Council, Gympie Council, Tourism Noosa and Moreton Bay Region Industry and Tourism.

Montville Coffee

FACT BOX

Collectively, the region boasts an impressive array of food and agritourism credentials with:

• Over 900 producers
• 24 food and beverage tours
• 18 food events
• 400 food tourism experiences
• 6 food precincts
• 740 restaurants
• 22 craft breweries
• 1 Big Pineapple

* Michele Sternberg at michele.sternberg@visitsunshinecoast.com