Buy Local Hub

At the Manufacturing Excellence Forum, we're passionate about shining a spotlight on the outstanding products crafted right here in our vibrant Sunshine Coast and Noosa community. Our "Buy Local" hub is a gateway to the amazing creations of our local manufacturers.

By purchasing from the businesses on this hub, you know that you’re supporting local manufacturers - and the future of our region.

KOKOPOD

Brigid and the team at KOKOPOD don’t just make amazing chocolate - they embody fighting spirit, resilience, and relentless positivity present in successful business everywhere.

KOKOPOD products aren’t just good gifts for Christmas, Birthdays, and other special occasions - they make us happy on a daily basis.

Blondie Macnuts… that’s all we’re saying…


Discount code: MEF at the checkout!

Ocean Ears Noosa

If you feel the need for an injection of positivity about the future of our region, then the story of Liv and Ocean Ears will set you on the right path.

This amazing young woman has made a successful business by repurposing and upcycling microplastics found on the beach into beautiful wearable art. 

The only remaining question is - Christmas, Birthday, or for yourself?

CRUX GEAR

Neil is the legendary local designer behind Crux Gear, which is a range of locally produced hand and grip strength training aids and accessories.

The products are designed for climbers, gymnasts and other athletes that are looking to improve their grip strength - and are produced here in Warana.

Discount Code: MEF15 at the checkout!

5th Design

Chris and the team at the 5th Design make some of the most mind-bendingly beautiful cheeseboards and homewares we’ve seen - from right here in Nambour.

While they come in all shapes and sizes, they’re all equally stunning.

Perfect for yourself, or to spoil someone as a gift.

Maker Dad

Maker Dad is the creative outlet for Neil Waldbaum of Deep Orange Design.

Being a Nissan Patrol lover, Neil often lamented the lack of suitable drink holders. Fortunately, Neil took things into his own hands to produce this little beauty.

This product is now available online locally and in the Middle East, where Nissan Patrols are as popular as kangaroos.

Discount Code: MEF15 at the checkout!

Sunkissed Summer

The Sunkissed Summer skincare collection is crafted with love by the amazing Naomi Elliot and the team at Concept Labs in Warana.

Clinically proven for remarkable results, these products are meticulously formulated with premium ingredients, ensuring a gentle touch on your skin.

These products feel and smell great (a big deal with our kids - getting sunscreen on them is a challenge), and you’re supporting local in the process.

What’s not to like?

MEF Bundle

Grab your gear, and let's MEF’ify the planet together! We're on a mission to help local local manufacturers grow their businesses, and your choice makes a difference.

Our caps and stubby coolers are printed by Glenn and the local legends at Express Print and Mail in Kunda Park. While the bottle openers were 3D printed by the locals at Cobra Concepts. 

With each purchase, you’re not only supporting a local manufacturer, you’re also helping us to keep doing what we do, and to scale our impact across our beautiful region.

These items make a great gift for a birthday, Christmas, Mothers Day, Fathers Day, or perhaps for yourself. They will keep you and your beverage colder for longer, ensuring every sip is as satisfying as the support you provide.

Zest Element

Sam and the amazing team at Zest Element are on a mission to tackle food waste head-on. Their innovative approach involves dehydrating 60kg of "ugly" fruit every 36 hours, resulting in a staggering reduction of up to 240kg per week going to landfill.

Sam and the team transform these fruits into high-quality, 100% fine fruit powders and course grind zest grinders, revolutionizing culinary experiences while championing sustainability. By harnessing the potential of imperfect produce, Zest Element is creating delicious products and fostering a more environmentally conscious food industry - one delectable zest at a time.

Zest Element is a great local story, please get behind them buy purchasing their products!

There is also a discount code for MEF’ers: MEFSC10 will give you 10% off at the checkout :-)

Natural Approach

Natural Approach is a family owned and operated business based in Mount Coolum, QLD, run by Tracey and her small team of helpers.

Tracey is on a mission to do good and build healthier communities by providing products that are good for your body, good for communities, and good for the planet.

Tracey and the team have found a way to make highly effective products using all natural ingredients that feel and smell amazing.

Their current range includes deodorant balm, nappy balm, lip balm, and bath salts. Another great local gift idea!

MEF’ers can get 15% off their 1st order by applying the code BUYLOCAL at the checkout :-)

ICEEPAK

Adam and Ronan at Iceepak are at the forefront in designing and providing state-of-the-art cooling solutions, from right here on the Sunny Coast. 

Whether it's ice vests, cooling scarves, or ice blankets, they have everything you need to combat those blazing summer days. Their intricately crafted ice blankets, which effortlessly integrate with vests and scarves, originate from Montville. Meanwhile, their chic scarves are crafted in Maroochydore, and the sleek vests are manufactured in Brisbane.

All products are Australian Made, guaranteeing their exceptional quality and steadfast reliability.

A great way to keep cool :-)

Cobra Concepts

Our mate Josh from Cobra Concepts is a total wizard when it comes to design and 3D printing.

Honestly, the quality of the work he does is something different all together - which is why we partnered with him on our 1st piece of custom merch - the MEF bottle and can opener keyring. 

We’ve got a fair bit more going on with Josh that we hope to be able to talk about soon. In the meantime, if you need something designed and printed at a commercial quality, Josh is your man.