Saucy Wench Gourmet Foods, born from a community cook-up that crafts authentic Asian flavours using local ingredients, has gained a significant following and national distribution for its award-winning sauces and handmade dumplings.
Local Success Story
Saucy Wench Gourmet Foods, based in Morningside, represents a successful career change for founder Lisa Liu, whose vibrant brand personality matches her popular products. The company produces a range of Asian sauces, condiments, and ready-to-cook frozen dumplings, earning a dedicated customer base. The products focus on quality and authenticity, using fresh, seasonal Australian ingredients while avoiding preservatives and artificial additives like MSG.
Many offerings cater to gluten-free and vegan dietary needs. Production occurs in their Morningside facility, where a team of passionate retired migrants hand-makes the items in small batches. This commitment to quality was recognised when Saucy Wench was named “Brisbane’s Best Handmade Business” and received several product awards, including Best Vinegar or Dressing at the Melbourne Royal Australian Food Awards, during 2024.
Community Roots and Growth
The brand’s unique name and identity emerged unexpectedly from a neighbourhood gathering during a flood threat in East Brisbane in 2016. Lisa Liu explained that after neighbours suggested she sell the chilli oil made during a community cook-up powered by a generator, the name “Saucy Wench” was jokingly proposed and stuck. The distinctive logo, featuring Liu wearing ‘Dame Edna’ style onion goggles, originated from a photo taken that same day.
Initially selling at local markets like New Farm Markets for three years, Saucy Wench products gained popularity through word-of-mouth. They are now featured on restaurant menus from Kedron to Tweed Heads and stocked in boutique grocers.
The business is expanding its reach, partnering with The Essential Ingredient to stock sauces in New South Wales, Victoria, and ACT stores, and gaining range in selected Woolworths supermarkets across Sydney and Melbourne. Liu expressed that while the brand started almost as a joke, its growth reflects her lifelong passion for sharing good food.
Brisbane Fosters Food Business Growth
The success of local businesses like Saucy Wench occurs within a city that actively supports its food sector’s growth. Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) runs initiatives such as the Future Food Global Accelerator program to help local food and beverage companies expand into international markets. Now in its eighth year, this month-long program connects businesses with industry experts and provides tailored mentoring.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner stated that Brisbane’s dynamic food and beverage scene contributes significantly to the city’s appeal as a place to live and work. He affirmed the city’s commitment to supporting local businesses aiming for global audiences, highlighting Brisbane’s strong manufacturing capabilities, research institutions, and advantageous proximity to the Asia-Pacific market, which represents a $90 trillion GDP and nearly half of global trade. BEDA’s State of The City report noted Brisbane’s advanced manufacturing sector is growing five times faster than the national average.
City Attracts Major Players
Brisbane’s supportive environment and strategic location also attract established businesses aiming for growth. Grove Juice, Australia’s largest Valencia orange grower, recently joined the 2025 Future Food Global Accelerator cohort and has established its headquarters in Brisbane. Grove Juice CEO Greg Quinn cited the city’s skilled workforce and proximity to major ports as key factors in their decision. He explained that their Brisbane base aided their efficient process of moving citrus from farm to juice to transport within days.
Quinn added that joining the Future Food Initiative provides valuable connections and resources to accelerate Grove Juice’s global expansion plans, positioning It ideally for opportunities like the Brisbane Olympics. Since 2018, BEDA’s Future Food Initiative has assisted over 400 businesses, including well-known names like Merlo Coffee and Hilton Foods. The 2025 accelerator program will run throughout February.
Published Date 15-February-2025