The Sunshine Coast is one of the largest and fastest growing regional economies in Australia, with business opportunities emerging in every industry, especially food and agribusiness.

On the Sunshine Coast, food and agribusiness is a $670 million industry with a wide range of outputs, from seafood and strawberries to plant nurseries and dairy. The region is a foodie’s haven, with over 400 food tourism operators and an abundance of annual food festivals drawing visitors from across the world.

One of Australia’s leading demographers, Bernard Salt, has tipped the region’s population to grow from about 350,000 today to about 550,000 by 2040. Currently the greater Sunshine Coast region has a catchment of around 800,000 people, with strong population growth predicted.

According to Salt, the Sunshine Coast is being ‘activated’ by investments in infrastructure like an expanded airport, which will see it become as connected to Asian markets as it is to the rest of the country.

The agribusiness industry is one of the seven high value industries that is playing a pivotal role in building and shaping the Sunshine Coast economy.

This report provides a look inside the food and agribusiness landscape on the Sunshine Coast. The Sunshine Coast Council hopes to inspire industry innovators and entrepreneurs to consider the opportunities available in the region and make contact to discuss future growth plans.