Fine Food Australia, the country’s premier foodservice trade show, is set to return to Melbourne’s Convention and Exhibition Centre from Monday, 2 September, to Thursday, 5 September.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the event is poised to be larger than ever, featuring over 425 exhibitors from Australia and around the world, representing diverse sectors such as foodservice, hospitality, catering, bakery, retail, import, export, distribution, and manufacturing.
“As we celebrate Fine Food Australia’s 40th year, we reflect on how it has evolved, embracing innovation, trends, and challenges of the culinary industry here in Australia,” said David Longman, managing director of Diversified Communications.
He added, “From humble beginnings to a large-scale international trade event, this milestone symbolizes not just longevity but the resilience and adaptability of the Australian food industry.”
Sinead Kavanagh, the Commercial Product Manager at Fine Food Australia, conveyed excitement about the upcoming Fine Food Australia 2024 edition.
“With over 40 years of connections and stories to tell, it’s going to be a huge edition where we celebrate the people and businesses in this incredible industry,” she noted.
Kavanagh emphasised the event’s focus on celebrating the people and businesses within the industry and mentioned the introduction of two new features designed to enhance the visitor experience and support business growth for the future.
The event will offer a series of presentations and informative sessions led by key industry opinion leaders, educating and engaging visitors with the latest industry innovations and trends.
Fine Food Australia 2024 is supported by major industry associations including Austrade, the Australian Culinary Federation, the Australian Foodservice Advocacy Body, the Foodservice Suppliers Association of Australia, and the National Association of Food Equipment Suppliers.
Exhibitors at the show will include renowned brands such as Mayers Fine Food, Bidfood, Milklab, Bega, Simplot, Mission Foods, Steinbok, Alternative Dairy Co, Square, Ready Bake, and many more.
This year’s event will feature traditional highlights along with new additions:
- Talking Tech: The stage will explore the latest technology trends and innovations in food service and hospitality, with leading experts sharing insights.
- Talking Trends: This segment will keep attendees updated on key industry trends, advances, and innovations, featuring discussions on opportunities affecting the foodservice and hospitality industry.
- Mayers Innovation in Patisserie: Leading pastry chefs will conduct masterclasses on desserts and cakes, offering new techniques and insights.
- The Source Kitchen: Curated by Straight To The Source, this feature will showcase Australian produce and origin through engaging culinary demonstrations and workshops.
- Bake Skills Australia: Attendees can witness annual competitions like the National Pastry Chef Championship and the National Baking Championships, highlighting the talents of young bakers and pastry chefs.
- ACF Culinary Challenge: Chefs, trainees, and apprentices will compete in thrilling cook-offs judged by registered ACF Judges.
- Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat: Australia’s longest-running culinary competition helps junior and apprentice chefs develop their skills through live cook-offs judged to global standards.
- The Official Great Aussie Pie Competition: This competition celebrates the iconic Australian pie, with categories including Greatest Meat Pie, Gourmet Pie, Plain Sausage Roll, and Gourmet Sausage Roll.
- 40th Celebration Event: A special evening on September 2nd will blend nostalgia and excitement as Fine Food Australia honours 40 years of culinary excellence and looks forward to the future.
Fine Food Australia 2024 will be held from 2 to 5 September at Melbourne’s Convention and Exhibition Centre, South Wharf.
To register for the expo, visit finefoodaustralia.com.au.
