It was buying a bar of chocolate that started Sharon Brindley on her own food manufacturing journey.
The Yamatji and Noongar woman had bought the treat thinking it was from an Indigenous-owned company, going by its packaging and presentation.
But when she discovered it was not, the experience inspired her business Jala Jala Treats.
“It put a fire in my belly to highlight our native flavours in the chocolate space,” Ms Brindley told AAP.
The budding chocolatier had already gained plenty of experience in the native food space, founding Cooee Cafe and Catering on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.
But she knew she wanted to get into food manufacturing to help raise awareness of First Nations businesses in the native food industry.
Ms Brindley is preparing to spread that message further, beginning the process of exporting the Jala Jala Treats range of native-ingredient chocolates and teas to Japan, Singapore and Malaysia.
Ms Brindley said these markets have a real thirst to ‘get a piece of the real Australia’ through Indigenous products.
“The interest from overseas is not surprising … but I think it’s coming now because they’re getting a better understanding of the culture in Australia,” she said.
Data from Austrade shows Indigenous goods exporters generated more than $670 million in turnover in 2022/23.
Her export dreams are being assisted by Asialink, the national centre for engagement with Asia based at the University of Melbourne, whose chief executive Leigh Howard said businesses like Ms Brindley’s resonate with markets in the region like never before.
“Buyers are seeking products with a clear story, ethical sourcing and natural ingredients, and First Nations businesses stand out, especially when stories of land care, cultural heritage and community are central to the brand,” he said.
A landmark report from Supply Nation released on Monday found Indigenous businesses create $42.6 billion of social value each year, including agency over life, expanded aspirations, financial security and mental health.
Jala Jala Treats is now Victoria’s largest Indigenous female-owned food manufacturing company.
This is a double-edged sword for Ms Brindley, with First Nations businesses only owning a fraction (one per cent) of the native food industry in Australia, she said.
Her hope is Jala Jala’s success will help raise awareness of this, and help other businesses to grow alongside hers.
“Support with exporting, but also support from people making sure they’re ethically buying is super important,” she said.
“Although I love being the largest manufacturer in this space, it’s almost sad because we deserve to be up there highlighting our products, including our native ingredients in a modern way.”
Australian Associated Press is the beating heart of Australian news. AAP is Australia’s only independent national newswire and has been delivering accurate, reliable and fast news content to the media industry, government and corporate sector for 85 years. We keep Australia informed.
