From a single mother’s kitchen bench to supermarket shelves, Wiradjuri entrepreneur Terri-Ann “Tezzi” Daniel has turned a simple idea into one of Australia’s fastest-growing inclusive food brands.
Cooee Native Superfoods, the Indigenous-owned, allergen-friendly brand, has secured a major partnership with Qantas. From 15 October 2025, Cooee’s beloved Nan’s Jam Drop cookie, infused with native Davidson plum, will be served to passengers on domestic flights.
Over the next 12 months, more than 500,000 cookies will be enjoyed, starting with all flights departing Perth before expanding nationally on a rotating six-week catering cycle.
The partnership champions Indigenous-owned, inclusive products for a national audience and showcases native Australian flavours in the sky.
From $17.90 to a National Brand
Tezzi Daniel’s journey began with a personal need. As a mother of eight, including triplets with severe food allergies, she was determined to create treats everyone in her family could enjoy.
With just $17.90 left in her weekly budget, she began experimenting with gluten and allergen-friendly recipes. Her first creation became an instant bestseller and the foundation for a thriving national business.
Today, Cooee products are stocked in hundreds of outlets, including Woolworths Metro, Ampol Foodary, IGA and Spar QLD. The brand will soon launch family-size packs through Metcash, reinforcing its leadership in Australia’s “free-from” food category.
A Taste of Country in Every Bite
Cooee celebrates native Australian botanicals with ingredients such as wattleseed, Kakadu plum and finger lime. The Miyagan Collection (Wiradjuri for “family”) highlights nostalgic flavours like Nan’s Jam Drop and Jude’s Vanilla Cream (finger lime).
The company has also expanded into popcorn and Bunji pet treats, now available at Bunnings.
The Qantas tie-up is both personal and profound for Ms Daniel. “I learned to make jam drops beside my grandmother. Sharing those flavours and our Indigenous story with half a million Australians in the air is truly surreal,” she said.
“Our cookies were created so everyone, regardless of allergies or dietary needs, could enjoy a great treat. Seeing them take flight on Qantas proves that inclusive food can also be extraordinary food.” she said
Backed by Investors and Industry Leaders
Cooee’s momentum has attracted major investment, including $1.5 million from Ochre Ventures to support national expansion and upcoming acquisitions.
Cooee’s leadership team includes Chair Anthony Owen and board member Hamish Thompson, former Vice President of Mars, who bring extensive experience in FMCG and retail strategy.
“We have built Cooee with community at its core,” Ms Daniel said. “From our first local shoppers to major investors, our journey proves that celebrating Indigenous heritage and prioritising inclusive food is a recipe for success.”
