The Ginger Factory: Sweet Success and Spicy Growth on the Sunshine Coast

No readheads were offended during the writing of this article. If you’ve ever visited the Sunshine Coast, you probably know The Ginger Factory. Whether you love a spicy ginger snack (not me) or just a good day out with kids, this place is more than just a factory.

Once upon a time (okay, back in 1941) a bunch of farmers from Buderim decided to start growing ginger. 2024 and Buderim Ginger the company behind The Ginger Factory is now one of the biggest producers of ginger in the world selling their delicious ginger products to over 17 countries.

They didn’t stop at selling ginger to supermarkets. Oh no, they thought, “Why not invite people to come and experience ginger in all its glory?” And so in 1980, The Ginger Factory was born as a tourist attraction. At the factory site, you can ride a historic train, enjoy a fun boat ride around the world (with gingerbread men as guides) and see how ginger goes from a plant to your plate of Sushi. And if that’s not enough, there are live bee shows, a farm and beautiful gardens filled with over 120 varieties of ginger plants plus some of the best ginger ice cream we've ever tasted.

2024 has been a big year for The Ginger Factory. They’re not just growing ginger; they’re growing in every way possible! Here are some fun facts about their performance this year:

• Revenue is up by 19%, thanks to the growing global demand for all things ginger especially in health conscious markets post the pandemic.
• Their tourist numbers hit over 320,000 visitors with people flocking from all over the world to lsee, learn and experience everything ginger.
• They’ve launched new ginger-infused health products like ginger supplements and even ginger-based skincare tapping into the wellness craze.

The Ginger Factory is more than just fun it’s also a lesson in smart business. They’ve transformed their factory into an interactive experience, attracting visitors and creating a whole new revenue stream. By turning something niche like ginger into a fun day out, they’ve proven that thinking outside the box can lead to major growth.

The Ginger Factory is what happens when you mix local roots with global ambition. This year, Buderim Ginger sold its ginger and tourism assets for $13 million which helped solidify its financial position and allowed the company to explore new business opportunities such as expanding its presence in the macadamia industry.

Key Takeaways for Business

1. Diversify Your Business: The Ginger Factory didn’t just rely on selling ginger. They turned their production facility into a major tourist attraction. Find ways to create multiple streams of income!
2. Sustainability Matters: In today’s world, being eco-friendly isn’t just good for the planet, it’s good for business. Consumers love brands that care about the planet and future generations.
3. Create an Experience: Whether you’re selling either a product or a service, people love a good experience. The Ginger Factory shows that offering an unforgettable experience can lead to repeat business and word of mouth referrals.
4. Have Fun With It: Business doesn’t have to be boring. The Ginger Factory proves that with a mix of education and entertainment you can grow in ways you never imagined.

So, next time you’re on the Sunshine Coast, don’t just head to Noosa beach. Check out The Ginger Factory. You’ll leave with a smile on your face and a newfound appreciation for the power of ginger thanks to your spicy breath.