A Gold Coast ice cream and beverage manufacturer has taken out the Queensland exports award after growing its revenue in India and the Middle East soared.
The Yatala-based Frosty Boy produces up to 2 million soft serves a day and now exports to more than 65 countries as well as getting its products into major US fast food franchises.
The Premier’s Export Awards judging panel said it could not ignore “the company’s impressive international growth”.
Over a two-year period, its revenue from exports to India jumped 200 per cent. Middle East exports increased 95 per cent.
The indigenous fashion brand Mainie won the inaugural First Nations category.
General Manager of Brisbane-based medical device company Qlicksmart, Dr Chamindika Konara, won the Women in International Business Award.
Winners in the 13 national award categories automatically qualify as finalists representing Queensland at the Australian Export Awards to be held on November 30.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said food manufacturers generated $25 billion for our economy each year and companies like Frosty Boy were leaders in their field, boosting Queensland’s global reputation for quality and excellence.
“Queensland’s leading exporters have been honoured through these awards for more than three decades and it continues to be a wonderful platform to celebrate their resilience, ingenuity and ongoing success.”
Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment, Cameron Dick said when it comes to the Queensland economy, soft serve means hard currency, and this award was the cherry on top of another exceptional year of export growth for Frosty Boy.
“Queensland businesses are not just competing internationally, they are market leaders because of their exceptional standards, quality of goods and remarkable services.
The full list of winners:
Advanced Technologies: Healthcare Logic
Agribusiness, Food and Beverages: AgTrade
Creative Industries: EventsAir
e-Commerce: Homebodii
Emerging Exporter: Chronosoft
First Nations: Mainie Australia
International Education and Training: TAFE Queensland
International Health: Qlicksmart
Manufacturing and Advanced Materials: Frosty Boy Global
Professional Services: Medical Rescue
Regional Exporter: Mort & Co
Resources and Energy: Phibion
Small Business: Genics
Sustainability and Green Economy: Paradigm Foods
Women in International Business: Dr Chamindika Konara, General Manager, Qlicksmart
Queensland Exporter of Year: Frosty Boy Global