Buderim, once a small farming community, has become the centre of Australia’s ginger industry, supplying products to markets worldwide.
The story of Buderim Ginger began in 1916 when ginger was first introduced to the region. Robert Duthie, a Brisbane merchant, gave ginger seeds to local farmer Arthur Burnett to plant and experiment with. The initial crop was a success, and soon other local farmers began cultivating ginger, adding it to their small farms on the fertile soils of Buderim.
By the early 1920s, the small-scale farming of ginger had gained enough traction that growers needed to look for larger markets. However, it wasn’t until the 1940s, during the Second World War, that Buderim’s ginger industry truly began to take off.
Buderim Ginger Growers Co-operative
With international imports of ginger cut off, local growers in Buderim saw an opportunity. In 1941, they came together to form the Buderim Ginger Growers Co-operative, and by 1942, the first ginger factory was established in a disused blacksmith’s shop in Buderim.
The co-operative helped organise and streamline production, but the early years were difficult. Lack of financial resources and infrastructure made it difficult for the small factory to compete with imported ginger, which had flooded the Australian market before the war. However, the disruption of imports allowed the local industry to establish itself.
In the post-war years, Buderim Ginger continued to expand. By the 1950s, the co-operative had made its first significant move into export markets, targeting Europe and the United Kingdom.
Under Geoff Shrapnel’s leadership, appointed Attorney-Manager in 1954, the co-operative focused on producing high-quality ginger that could compete internationally. Shrapnel’s work was instrumental in securing tariff protection and government support, which helped stabilise the industry.
A Global Player
Buderim’s ginger industry wasn’t just about local farming anymore; it became a global player. Exports continued to rise throughout the 1960s and 1970s, establishing Buderim as the main source of processed ginger for confectionery markets in Australia and abroad. As the industry grew, so did the need for a larger, more modern facility.
In 1979, the ginger factory moved from Buderim to Yandina, where a larger site provided the space needed for expansion. While the factory left Buderim, the brand retained its name, becoming synonymous with the high-quality ginger grown in the region.
Growth of Tourism at the Ginger Factory
Today, Buderim Ginger Limited is a leading global supplier of processed ginger products, exporting to markets in the United States, Japan, and Europe. Over 60% of its output is sent overseas, while domestic sales remain strong. Buderim Ginger products are found in everything from confectionery to beverages and pharmaceuticals. By 1998, the company produced over 7,000 tonnes of ginger annually, a massive leap from its humble beginnings.
The factory’s relocation to Yandina also began its tourist operations. Buderim Ginger capitalised on the Sunshine Coast’s growing tourism industry by opening a tourist centre at the factory in the 1980s.
The Royal couple toured the Ginger Factory after travelling to Yandina via Coolum from Maroochy Airport, where they had arrived on a VIP jet from Brisbane as part of their month-long tour of Australia.
Photo Credit: Sunshine Coast Library
The centre now attracts around 400,000 visitors each year, giving tourists a behind-the-scenes look at ginger production while promoting the various ginger products on offer.
Mechanisation and Research Boost Yields
Research and development have been key to Buderim Ginger’s success. The Queensland Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and the company itself have invested heavily in improving both the yield and quality of ginger crops. Developing mechanised harvesting and processing techniques has significantly reduced costs and increased production. In 1998, average ginger yields in Queensland had risen to over 50 tonnes per hectare, compared to just 6.7 tonnes per hectare in 1942.
Buderim’s connection to the ginger industry is more than just a name. The early days of ginger cultivation and the establishment of the co-operative shaped the town’s identity. Although the factory is now in Yandina, Buderim remains closely linked to the industry that brought it international recognition.
Ongoing Legacy
Buderim Ginger Limited continues to play a vital role in the local economy, providing jobs for hundreds of workers, both on farms and in the factory. Many growers are second or third-generation farmers who have been involved in the industry since its early days. The company’s commitment to quality and innovation ensures it remains a global ginger market leader.
From its small beginnings as a crop on family farms, the ginger industry in Buderim has grown into an international success story. As Buderim Ginger Limited continues to expand its product range and explore new markets, the town’s legacy as the birthplace of Australia’s ginger industry remains a point of pride for the community.
Published 13-Sept-2024