Celebrating 40 years as Australia’s leading food industry expo, Fine Food Australia is set to captivate and educate the culinary industry from 2-5 September 2024 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.
This year, Fine Food Australia will host over 850 Australian and international exhibitors. These exhibitors represent a full spectrum of the food industry, including foodservice, hospitality, catering, bakery, retail, and more, showcasing the latest products, technology, and services. The event will also feature a series of informative presentations by industry leaders to spark innovation and dialogue on the latest trends.
Event highlights and stages for 2024 include:
Talking Tech
Back with a strong lineup for 2024, the Talking Tech stage will explore the latest technological innovations transforming the foodservice and hospitality industries. A highly anticipated speaker for 2024 is Belinda Clarke, from Food Coaches who will be looking at enhancing business performance and profitability through a strategic use of technology. This free-to-attend program invites industry leaders to share insights that will help businesses adapt and thrive in an evolving market landscape.
Talking Trends
Supported by industry experts from Food Industry Foresight and sponsored by Profitability Partners, the Talking Trends stage returns to offer a deep dive into the shifting landscapes of consumer behaviour and innovation. This year, Rod Fowler leads as keynote speaker with a presentation discussing the global surge of Foodservice Robotics, how they’re transforming kitchens and the advantages and disadvantages of these AI technologies. These sessions are essential for anyone looking to stay ahead in the rapidly changing foodservice and hospitality sectors.
Mayers Innovation in Patisserie
Sponsored by Mayers, this stage is a must-see for anyone passionate about the art of patisserie. Attend masterclasses and demonstrations by Australia’s leading bakers and pastry chefs, exploring cutting-edge techniques and trends in desserts and baked goods. This year, we’re excited to hear from Andre Sandison who will be demonstrating the quality of La Rose Noire to support every day solutions including meeting a range of customer dietary and cultural demands.
The Source Kitchen
Brought to you by Straight To The Source, join culinary experts Tawnya Bahr and Lucy Allon as they bring you closer to the origins of Australian produce through tastings, demonstrations, and engaging discussions with farmers and artisans. Don’t miss our feature panel on “Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle and Rescue” where you’ll learn from leading chefs and venues about the remarkable achievements they have made in their quest for a greener future. Attendees will also enjoy the ‘Battle of the Sanga!’ when teams from four leading Melbourne venues compete in the ultimate sandwich competition. Enjoy as Jason McLaren Jones, Barry Susanto, Mary Akindele and Anthony Femia battle it out for judges Pav Queen Neriday Conway and Johnny De Francesco from 400 Gradi.
Bake Skills Australia
Showcasing this year is Mayers Callebaut Chocolate with Pascal Janvier and Versatile Castilla with EOI peerless foods. And, of course, the nation’s top emerging bakers and pastry chefs showcasing their talents in the highly anticipated National Pastry Chef Championship and Baking Championships. Celebrating creativity and the commitment to nurturing professional growth and excellence in baking.
ACF Culinary Challenge
ACF Culinary Challenge, where chefs and apprentices battle against time and each other. This event features various competitions including the National Apprentice Competition and the ACF Most Outstanding Chef Challenge.
Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat
Support the development of junior and apprentice chefs at the Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award. This prestigious competition is an opportunity for young talents to test their skills in a series of live cook-offs, judged to international standards.
The Official Great Aussie Pie Competition
Celebrate an Aussie icon at the Official Great Aussie Pie Competition, showcasing categories like the Greatest Meat Pie and Gourmet Sausage Roll. A favourite event every year, this competition highlights the skill and creativity behind Australia’s signature pastries.
40th Anniversary Celebration
Mark four decades of foodservice innovation at Fine Food Australia’s 40th Anniversary Celebration. This special ticketed event promises an evening of reflection, celebration, and forward-looking, acknowledging the past achievements and future aspirations of the foodservice and hospitality industry.
