Emerging Exporters cohort revealed for 2021

Shell’s QGC Emerging Exporters Program have announced their 2021 cohort of businesses, ready to make inroads into new markets.  

The six successful businesses are Warroo Game Meats, Clover Hill Meats, Grassland Goats, Chris’s Welding & Steel, SMA Marketing and 2DE Farming.

In its fourth year, the Emerging Exporters Program is building on the successes of the past three years and is being run to assist those who are interested in exporting their products.

This program, delivered by TSBE’s Food Leaders Australia (FLA), is an initiative of Shell’s QGC business to see a cohort of exporters make inroads into new markets. 

TSBE’s FLA Export Manager Food and Agribusiness, Justin Heaven said this year’s cohort is of exceptional quality, and he’s looking forward to providing them with exciting opportunities.

“We know that there’s a growing demand for trusted, clean and green food in Asia, and significant investment in infrastructure right on our doorstep.”

“I’m optimistic for this year’s producers to grow into export markets, supported by Shell’s QGC Emerging Exporters Program,” said Mr Heaven.

The tailored program includes targeted workshops and one-on-one support which gives participants the tools and capabilities to become competent, sustainable exporters who can manage risk and make informed decisions before embarking on their export journey.

Director of Grassland Goats, Keeleigh Allport said she’s looking forward to strengthening the company’s domestic market relationships and exploring future export market opportunities.

“We have a driving passion for producing premium goat meat on the Western Downs.”

“We want to export our premium goat product into SE Asia and beyond and we feel confident now that we can develop our product further and learn to navigate the complex export process with the help and support of Shell’s QGC Emerging Exporters program,” said Ms Allport.

Director 2DE Farming, Peter Dearden said he’s excited and enthusiastic about the potential to create opportunities for his new business.

“Looking forward to meeting like-minded people and involve younger members of our team in creating an alternative market.”

“A part of participating in the program will be to develop and refine our product to suit potential customers requirements,” said Mr Dearden.

SMA Marketing’s Business Development Manager Belinda Boshammer said she’s thrilled the business has been selected for the program.

“We're really excited to see what the year brings and what learnings our business, and ourselves individually, can gain from the experience.”

“We hope to have a good understanding of what the consumers in our target markets really want so that we can produce it for them, and to gain the necessary contacts that will help us deliver the products to those consumers,” said Ms Boshammer.

Emerging Exporters is a part of Shell’s QGC business’ commitment to regional economic development and working with the community to diversify local economies.

The social investment program, supported by Shell’s joint venture partners Tokyo Gas and CNOOC, contributes to a strong and diverse economy within the Western Downs.

Mr Heaven said he’s proud that previous cohort participants have been successful in breaking into the international export market.

“Participants like Four Daughters Premium Black Angus have successfully export to China and Riverbend Pork Group export to markets in Asia,” said Mr Heaven.

 “We’d like to congratulate this year’s cohort and we look forward to working closely with the businesses to help them take their next step towards exploring their potential to export,” said Mr Heaven.