Sydney welcomes foodpro 2017

Monday, 19 June, 2017

Registration is open for foodpro 2017 — the iconic event for the food and beverage manufacturing industry.

This year’s event sees foodpro celebrate 50 years supporting Australia’s food industry and showcasing the latest technology and innovations in food processing, packaging, science and technology.

The event provides a platform for food industry professionals to meet face to face with suppliers of cutting-edge processing, packaging and plant technology, as well as the latest in food science.

foodpro is organised into six zones, each dedicated to the various steps in the food manufacturing process: Ingredients, Food Science and Technology, Processing Equipment, Plant Equipment, Packaging and the new Supply Chain Integrity Zone.

The Supply Chain Integrity Zone is an initiative brought about by a partnership between foodpro and Food Innovation Australia Ltd (FIAL), and is aimed at the needs of small manufacturers. In particular, supply chain security is vital to the food manufacturing process, with traceability and audit compliance a priority; however, smaller manufacturers often find it costly to comply. The majority of technologies for traceability are often geared to larger manufacturers, which causes obstacles and barriers for smaller players in the industry.

The Supply Chain Integrity Zone is focused on solutions for small manufacturers who produce pre-packaged goods for sale to the consumer. Companies across the various stages of the supply chain will be represented, allowing visitors to discuss end-to-end solutions with suppliers best suited to their business. The zone will also include a series of seminars covering the latest technology, capabilities and insights.

“The Supply Chain Integrity Zone is a really important and exciting addition to foodpro,” said Peter Petherick, foodpro event director. “foodpro has supported Australia’s manufacturing needs for 50 years, and it’s important we continue to respond to the industry as it changes. It’s become clear that there is an increasing number of smaller manufacturers whose needs, although similar to the bigger companies, must be met in more specific ways. The new zone serves a purpose for solutions and, importantly, for discussion and engagement. With a focus on improving traceability and supporting audit compliance, the benefit to the industry will be incredible.”

The zone will feature companies that offer solutions specifically for smaller manufacturers who produce less than 10,000 units a week, with a focus on areas including materials in, processing integrity, packaging integrity, shipping and receivables, and quality management solutions for traceability.

Visitors will have the opportunity to meet Australian and international specialist food manufacturing suppliers to find out how they can increase production efficiencies, cut costs and stay ahead of the competition. They can also hear from expert speakers on the latest trends in the industry, such as traceability, food safety and hygiene, in a series of free seminars.

foodpro is co-located with the Annual Convention of the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology, where the latest thinking in food technology and processing will be discussed. It will be held at Sydney’s new International Convention Centre (ICC), Darling Harbour, from 16–19 July 2017.

Visitors should be aware that ICC Sydney’s exhibition space is split over two floors. Level 1 (Lower Exhibition Hall) will include these zones: