Queensland key to feeding the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games

Mooloolaba prawns, Sunshine Coast macadamias and Granite Belt olive oil on the menu at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games could create lasting value for local businesses and communities, according to a University of Queensland report.

Professor Janet McColl‑Kennedy from UQ’s Business School and Lead of the Innovation Pathways Program at Australia’s Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA) led the Feeding the Brisbane 2032 Games White Paper, released today. 

“Feeding the Brisbane 2032 Games is far more than a catering challenge – we want to showcase Queensland’s clean, nutritious and distinctive produce,” Professor McColl‑Kennedy said.

“The Games are a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to highlight Australian innovation, strengthen supply chains and deliver a legacy for how food is produced, distributed and experienced.”

The report aims to capitalise on bolstered tourist numbers, with the Paris 2024 Games attracting more than 700,000 spectators on a single day. 

As well as expected peaks in domestic tourism to the Brisbane 2032 Games, the white paper recommended identifying food trends among consumers and making Australian produce the star of the meals. 

“We could use Queensland-caught seafood on sushi and serve mezze platters with Emerald’s chickpeas, an array of vegetables from the Lockyer Valley and native finger limes,” Professor McColl-Kennedy said. 

“Identifying food consumption trends is key to success, such as consumers being more health-conscious and wanting to know where the food is coming from. 

“As well as food that tastes good, many consumers want personalised food experiences, so a simple meal of freshly caught fish overlooking a river at sunset can be special. 

“By planning early, Brisbane 2032 can balance innovation with ethics, personalise food experiences and build resilient systems for producers, consumers and communities long after the Games are over.” 

UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry AC said Brisbane 2032 gave Australia a powerful platform to build long-term sustainable partnerships across government, industry and the education sector that would really define the legacy of the Games.

“Universities are home to some of Queensland’s best thinkers and problem solvers – in areas as diverse as food systems, health science, urban planning and sustainability," Professor Terry said. 

“With the right investment and coordination, decisions made now will deliver a stronger, more resilient food system that benefits regional development and industry capability well beyond 2032.” 

The report recommends collaborations with Indigenous communities to support the production of native produce, as well as the broader agricultural industry to address worker shortages and resourcing challenges. 

The white paper draws on a roundtable of more than 80 leaders from industry, government and academia to examine food across the business ecosystem, including where and how the food is produced, manufacturing processes, quality controls including food safety, logistics and workforce capabilities. 

The report identifies challenges including supply chain resilience, sustainability expectations, workforce shortages, climate risk and rising costs, alongside practical and coordinated pathways to address them, and provides 57 recommendations for policy and practice.

It also explores how technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital traceability and data‑enabled logistics could support personalised food experiences while reducing food waste and improving efficiency.

FaBA Director Dr Chris Downs said Brisbane 2032 provided a unique catalyst to accelerate innovation across Australia’s food and beverage sector.

“Brisbane 2032 gives Australia a powerful platform to lift productivity, improve sustainability and reinforce our reputation for clean, safe and trusted food on the world stage,” Dr Downs said.

“With the right investment and coordination, decisions made now can deliver a stronger, more resilient food system that delivers benefits for regional development and industry capability well beyond 2032.”

The white paper is intended to inform industry stakeholders, policymakers and Games planners as preparations for Brisbane 2032 continue.

Read the report Feeding the Brisbane 2032 Games White Paper.