Sprout Organics Growing global exports during Queensland Small Business Month

As part of Queensland’s Small Business Month (QSBM), we’re celebrating dynamic local businesses that are taking their Queensland products global.

Sprout Organic, based in Burleigh Heads, produces plant-based infant formulas and snacks for kids that are certified organic and made with ingredients such as rice, peas and coconut.  

Established in 2020 by parents Sel and Jen Berdie, their products are free from common allergens such as dairy, soy, eggs, wheat, fish and peanuts, and sold in more than 2000 retail locations throughout Australia.

TIQ’s Go Global Export Program grant will allow Sprout Organic to begin its export journey into the Indonesian market.

The matched funding grants of up to $25,000 help Queensland businesses take their products and services to the world by overcoming common exporting barriers faced when entering new markets, including accreditation, logistics, packing and product trials. 

Since its launch in February 2020, the Go Global Export Program has provided over $3.6 million in total grant funding, delivered almost $39 million in export outcomes, and created 133 new jobs. 

Sel said TIQ’s Go Global Program funding and support was critical to their push overseas.

“Entering a new international market with our world-first infant formula was an exciting yet strategic challenge,” he said.

“We were aware of the successful track record TIQ has in assisting Queensland businesses with their export ambitions and believed that leveraging their extensive global network would benefit not just our venture into Indonesia, but our broader international expansion plans.

“Partnering with TIQ has enhanced our ability to confidently and strategically explore new markets, setting the stage for sustained international growth."

“Partnering with TIQ has enhanced our ability to confidently and strategically explore new markets." 

- Sel Berdie, Sprout Organics Founder

Trade and Investment Queensland CEO Justin McGowan said Sprout Organic was an example of TIQ supporting small, exciting and ambitious Queensland businesses to take their product global.

 “I’m endlessly impressed by the vision and tenacity of our proud Queensland exporters, who cover the state from the Atherton Tablelands through to the Gold Coast,” he said.

“Queensland businesses continue to prove that our state produces products and services of exceptional quality that are increasingly in demand around the world.”

Each May, QBSM sets out to highlight, celebrate and support the thousands of small businesses operating across the state.

Queensland is home to more than 482,000 small businesses – 97 per cent of all business – that contribute around $117 billion to the state economy each year.