First food manufacturing-focused industry event in Queensland

Tuesday, 31 May, 2016

Launching at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre on 26–28 June, Foodtech Queensland will focus specifically on the state’s strongest food manufacturing categories and will serve to connect businesses in these areas with new technology and ideas to help them grow their operations. The event will co-locate with The Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST)’s 49th Annual Convention, which attracts up to 400 food scientists and other food professionals.

Australia’s food and drink processing industry makes up over one-third of the country’s manufacturing sector and is the largest manufacturing employer, employing over 300,000 people¹.

Over the last decade, the Queensland economy has been a high performer compared with other Australian states² and is forecast to grow more than 60% by 2031.³ World renowned for producing high-quality, safe, clean and green food at competitive prices, Queensland has more than 1400 Australian and international food processing facilities established in the state. The state grows one-third of the country’s produce, is the nation’s primary beef producer, is fast becoming a hub for beverage production and is a large processor of seafood, fruit, vegetables, nuts and value-add product manufacturing.

Foodtech Queensland was created to support the burgeoning state’s strong food manufacturing industry. Event Director Peter Petherick said, “The Queensland food sector relies heavily on technology and new technological developments, and staying on top of trends and technological advances is crucial to sustaining business and remaining competitive here and globally. Foodtech Queensland will curate the latest technology and products and bring them to Queensland businesses, in order to support one of Australia’s star economic performers.” Food manufacturers based in Northern NSW are also invited to attend the event.

The show has been carefully developed to respond to the specific needs of Queensland’s industry and, as a result, tailored education sessions will form a key part of the 2016 event schedule. The sessions are designed to assist Queensland SMEs to grow their businesses through access to case studies, Australian and international trends, and information to improve their processing techniques. The show floor is zoned and will cover processing, ingredients, packaging, plant equipment, and science and technology so visitors can easily find the products relevant to them.

Over 3000 visitors are expected to attend Foodtech Queensland’s launch event, and there will be over 100 exhibitors showcasing the latest processing machinery, ingredients, additives, packaging and a range of ancillary products for food manufacturers. Exhibitors already confirmed include Vegmag, Thompson Meat Machinery, Multivac, Matthews, Naturex Ingredients, CBS Food Tech, Wiley & Co and Insignia, among others. Exhibiting at Foodtech Queensland presents an opportunity to build relationships with thousands of qualified buyers, drive business and be inspired about the exciting range of factors driving the industry forward.