Key Grants for Food and Beverage Companies in Australia

Government funding plays a fundamental role in driving growth, innovation, and operational improvements within Australia’s Food & Beverage sector. With a broad range of grants available, businesses can struggle to identify the opportunities that best align with their unique needs.

 

In this article, we outline several key grants selected specifically for Food & Beverage companies, covering initiatives from safety enhancements to strategic investment. Each program is designed to help businesses elevate their operations, expand their capabilities, and invest in critical infrastructure.

 

1. Distillery Door Programs – Hazardous Areas and Dangerous Goods Rebate
2. Wine Exports China Re-Engagement Support Program
3. Value Add Investment Grants Program (VAIG) – Feasibility Stream

 

1. Distillery Door Program – Hazardous Areas and Dangerous Goods Rebate

Enhancing safety in Victoria’s distilleries with essential rebates

 

Key Details

• Closing by: 30 June 2025
• Funding Available: Up to $50,000
• Target Recipients: Distillers of alcoholic beverages in Victoria

 

Overview

This program assists Victorian distillers in investing in essential equipment and infrastructure to enhance safety in their facilities. It offers a rebate on eligible expenditure — up to 70% or 80% (GST exclusive), capped at $50,000 — while requiring a cash co-contribution of 20% or 30% depending on production volumes.

 

As part of a $20 million initiative to support Victoria’s distillery industry, the program funds activities such as hazardous area assessments, equipment installation, and specialist training, ensuring that all upgrades comply with Australian Standards and regulatory requirements.

 

Eligibility Criteria

Businesses must:

• Hold a current Australian Business Number (ABN) and be registered as a legal entity in Victoria.
• Own at least one still with a capacity of 50 litres or more.
• Possess a valid ATO Manufacturer’s Licence and a current Victorian General or Producer’s Liquor Licence.
• Have completed a hazardous area assessment, dangerous goods audit, OHS Essentials Program, or equivalent assessment undertaken from 1 April 2023 until closing date.
• Meet the required cash co-contribution based on their production level.
• Agree to participate in future program evaluation activities and comply with relevant workplace and employment obligations.

 

2. Wine Exporters China Re-Engagement Support Program

Supporting SA wine exporters to re-access China’s market

 

Key Details

• Closing by: Program runs until June 2026
• Funding Available: Approximately $1.9 million total funding pool
• Target Recipients: South Australian wine exporters

 

Overview

This program is designed to help South Australian wine exporters re-enter the Chinese market following the lifting of tariffs on Australian wine. It delivers strategic support through market insights, export advisory services, coordinated trade missions, and targeted marketing campaigns.

 

Implemented by the South Australian Government in partnership with the South Australian Wine Industry Association (SAWIA), the program aims to revitalise international trade relationships and strengthen the region’s wine sector.

 

Eligibility Criteria

Businesses must:

• Be a registered South Australian wine exporters with a valid ABN.
• Demonstrate active engagement in exporting wine internationally.

 

 

3. Value Add Investment Grants Program (VAIG) – Feasibility Stream

Empowering WA food and beverage businesses with feasibility funding

 

Key Details

• Closing by: 30 June 2025
• Funding Available: Individual grants from $15,000 to $100,000 (up to $500,000 per project; total pool of $6 million)
• Target Recipients: Agriculture, food, and beverage businesses in Western Australia

 

Overview

The VAIG – Feasibility Stream supports WA-based agriculture, food, and beverage businesses planning to expand, diversify, or relocate their value-add processing operations. This program funds planning and feasibility studies that underpin investments in new manufacturing capabilities, technology upgrades, or plant modernisation. By reducing WA’s reliance on imported products, the initiative fosters innovation, enhances sustainability, and drives job creation. Applicants are required to provide a minimum cash co-contribution of 30%, with some flexibility available for Aboriginal businesses.

 

Eligibility Criteria

Businesses must:

• Be a private sector entity (including incorporated trustees, public companies, or cooperatives) with a valid ABN and GST registration.
• Plan a project located in or relocating to Western Australia.
• Demonstrate the financial capacity to meet the minimum cash co-contribution.
• Have been in operation for at least 12 months (or possess a similar established track record).
• Be capable of entering into a legally binding agreement with the WA Government.
• Regional and Aboriginal businesses are encouraged to apply.

 

Reminder: Don’t Miss the R&D Tax Incentive (R&DTI)

 

The Research and Development Tax Incentive is a powerful mechanism that offers significant tax offsets and cash refunds for eligible R&D activities, easing the financial risks of innovation. Despite its benefits, many Food & Beverage companies are overlooking this opportunity. Leveraging the R&D Tax Incentive not only reduces R&D costs but also positions your business to drive technological advancements and compete globally.

 

Ensure you assess your eligibility and consider expert advice to fully integrate this incentive into your financial strategy for sustained growth and market leadership. Learn more about the R&DTI Program by visiting our dedicated page.

 

 

The grants listed above represent just a snapshot of the funding opportunities available to support the growth and innovation of Food and Beverage companies in Australia. If you’re looking to explore these options further and strengthen your market position, our team of experts is here to help.

 

With the complexities of the application process, partnering with experienced advisors is essential. That’s where FundFindrs comes in — we support you every step of the way. Book a FREE chat today for a tailored consultation.