Getting involved in the food and beverage industry

The food and beverage industry offers a wide variety of opportunities for businesses of all sizes.

Contact your local council before you start or buy a food or beverage business to find out what permits or licences you need for your area.

You can use the local government directory to find your local council.

You must comply with Queensland's food safety legislation, including the Food Act 2006, Food Regulation 2006, Food Production (Safety) Act 2000 and Food Production (Safety) Regulation 2002.

All food businesses must also comply with the standards outlined by Food Standards Australia New Zealand and the Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council. Learn more about food and beverage industry regulations and compliance.

Visit ABLIS (Australian Business Licence and Information Service) or contact our Business Support Services team to find out what licences you need to run a food and beverage business.

Research and planning

As with other industries, market research and planning is important before starting a food and beverage business. Research your competitors and potential customers to assess whether your business will be successful. Consider the competition and how your business will stand out, and research how much people pay for similar experiences in other places.

Learn more about business research and evaluating your business idea.

Assistance to start a business

Specific food and beverage industry assistance is available for:

• primary producers, including animal, plant and fisheries
• the wine industry, including producers and distributors
• commercialisation.

You can also download step-by-step food, beverage and catering guides for starting a restaurant, cafe or takeaway shop, catering business, bakery, or convenience or general store.

Learn more about starting a business in Queensland.

Related links

• Find out about contract manufacturing for food processing businesses and see our survey results to find out how it is used in Queensland.
• Contact food and beverage industry associations to access services and support. 
• Find out about investing in Queensland's food and agribusiness industry.