With one of Australia’s most sophisticated supply chains, a rapidly growing infrastructure pipeline and an advanced manufacturing ecosystem rich in food and agritech expertise, Brisbane is scaling to meet global agriculture’s evolving demands.

As global agriculture and food investors navigate tightening supply chains, rising input costs, decarbonisation pressures and increasing demand from Asia–Pacific markets, the next generation of agricultural growth hubs is being defined not just by productivity at the farmgate but by their ability to bring together advanced manufacturing, logistics, research and export infrastructure into a unified value chain.

Within this environment, Brisbane stands out as a leading gateway city for global agribusiness and food investors. Its strategic location at the intersection of primary production, advanced food manufacturing and direct access to high-growth export markets makes it a compelling choice.

Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) CEO Anthony Ryan said events such as Global AgInvesting Australia play an important role in showcasing Brisbane’s agribusiness strengths to international investors and connecting global capital with local opportunity.

“Brisbane is emerging as one of the most dynamic investment destinations in the Asia–Pacific region,” Mr Ryan said.

“What sets Brisbane apart is the strength of our end-to-end ecosystem. From production and processing through to packaging, logistics and export services, businesses have access to a highly connected value chain that supports efficiency, innovation and growth.

“For investors, that integrated ecosystem reduces operational risk, accelerates market access and creates a scalable platform for long-term investment across food and agriculture.”

A Strategic Supply Chain Hub at the Heart of Production

Just 12 kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD, the supply chain hub connects production, processing and export markets, reinforcing Brisbane’s position as a leading gateway for trade, logistics and agribusiness.

At the centre of Queensland’s $16+ billion agricultural export economy, Brisbane is where production meets global markets. As Australia’s beef processing capital, the city combines world-class processing, cold-chain and export infrastructure with strong supply chains across beef, grains, cotton, horticulture and emerging proteins - creating a powerful platform for agribusiness investment and growth.

Brisbane’s competitive edge lies beyond production. With processing, packaging, cold storage, logistics and export services all located within one connected ecosystem, businesses can move products to global markets faster, more efficiently and with greater certainty.

Close proximity to the Port of Brisbane - Australia’s largest capital city port - strengthens Brisbane’s role as a leading export hub, handling around half of Queensland’s agricultural exports and continuing to expand its container, bulk and cold-chain capacity.

This is complemented by the Brisbane Airport Industrial Park, a premium industrial precinct offering over 100 hectares of development-ready land and more than 68,000 square metres of facilities, underpinned by 24/7 operations, a dual-runway airport and a $100 billion infrastructure pipeline.

Together, these assets support a projected 43% growth in food and beverage exports by 2031, reinforcing Brisbane’s position as a fully integrated supply chain hub connecting agricultural production, advanced manufacturing and global markets.

Infrastructure Investment at Global Scale

Advanced Manufacturing and Science Innovation

Brisbane’s risen as a globally competitive advanced manufacturing hub is directly relevant for food and agriculture investors seeking value-added growth.

In partnership with Altea Investments, the city is progressing Australia’s first export gateway science and agribusiness precinct adjacent to Brisbane Airport International Terminal.

The Advance Science Innovation Park, will integrate agricultural biotechnology, biosecurity science, food technology and cold chain logistics, strengthening links between regional producers, processors and fast-growing Asia Pacific markets.

With advanced manufacturing forecast to grow 29 per cent over the next decade, Brisbane’s innovation ecosystem and research capability are accelerating its transformation into a high-value agribusiness and food technology hub.

Brisbane also hosts:

• State-of-the-art food pilot and commercialisation facilities, enabling product testing, sensory analysis and industrial-scale production.
• World-leading research institutions focusing on food science, protein optimisation, shelf-life extension and sustainable processing methods.
• A growing base of food and beverage manufacturers exporting to Asia, North America and the Middle East.

This convergence of advanced manufacturing, food production and science innovation positions Brisbane as a launchpad for premium, value-added agricultural and food exports.

A City Built for Scaling Food and Agribusiness

Beyond infrastructure, Brisbane’s fundamentals are tightly aligned with the needs of global agricultural investors. The city’s economy surpassed $200 billion in 2024 and is forecast to reach $275 billion by 2041, driven by population growth, exports and industry expansion, with strong momentum across advanced manufacturing, logistics and professional services - key enablers of scalable agribusiness growth.

Brisbane is also home to more than 140 innovation hubs, providing access to talent, R&D partnerships and commercialisation pathways. The city’s Future Food Initiative, led by Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) and highlighted in the State of the City report, is a key driver in fostering industry collaboration, supporting new ventures and accelerating the development of next-generation food products and technologies.

Investment Momentum in Food and Agricultural Manufacturing

Momentum is already clear. Brisbane has emerged as a national leader in food and beverage business acceleration, supporting companies as they move from domestic success into global export markets.

Major global food processors, premium brands and innovative enterprises including Youfoodz, Asahi, Woolworths, Hilton Foods and BrewDog, have chosen Brisbane as their Australian base, attracted by the city’s supply chain strength, export access and advanced manufacturing capability.

Melanie Chambers, CEO APAC at Hilton Foods highlighted Brisbane’s strategic advantages and advanced infrastructure as key drivers behind its investment and ongoing operations in the city.

“Brisbane was selected because of the various strategic advantages the city offers. The Heathwood facility allows us to supply top-quality product that is distributed to Woolworths stores in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and the Northern Territory,” said Ms Chambers.

“Hilton Foods’ success is underpinned by a significant investment in heavily automated facilities and warehouses combining globally leading technology and local capability.”

Why Brisbane Stands Out for Global Agriculture and Food Investors

In a global landscape where resilience, traceability and speed are essential, Brisbane offers a rare combination of strengths:

• Direct access to large-scale agricultural and food production
• Advanced food and manufacturing capability, including innovative science parks
• Expanding port, airport and logistics infrastructure with close export connections
• Proximity to Asia–Pacific growth markets
• A rapidly scaling, investment-ready economy with a robust innovation ecosystem

Few cities worldwide combine these features within a single, investable ecosystem.

For agriculture and food investors seeking the next generation of scalable, export-driven opportunities, Brisbane is ready.

Backed by data, infrastructure and a proven record across the agricultural and food value chain, Brisbane is not only participating in global food markets but also helping to shape them.

To explore investment opportunities, partnerships and market entry pathways, visit Choose Brisbane and connect with BEDA’s dedicated investment attraction team, to discover why more global agriculture and food investors are choosing Brisbane.

BEDA is proud to align with the Queensland Government to host Global AgInvesting Australia where the city and state’s capabilities and investment projects are showcased to global investor delegates.