What's on at foodpro 2023

The long-awaited Australian food manufacturing event — foodpro 2023 — will be returning after a six-year hiatus on 23–26 July 2023 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).

“There’s currently a huge buzz in the industry about this year’s foodpro given we are making a much-anticipated return,” said foodpro Product Manager Felicity Parker. “We will be the first Australian event in the international calendar to showcase the latest developments in food manufacturing from overseas as well as locally. The floor will be jam-packed with suppliers plus there’s a host of fantastic events and presentations not to be missed.”

Eight exhibition zones

foodpro 2023 will have eight exciting key zones with more than 330 exhibitors showcasing their innovative machines, technologies, products and processes.

1. Processing and Packaging: As the largest part of the exhibition floor, visitors will see vital manufacturing operations in action in this zone.
2. Ingredients: The biggest growing segment at foodpro, visitors will be able to sample and source ingredients from across the world with this zone dedicated to suppliers and distributors.
3. Food Science and Technology: Visitors can meet with providers of testing, analysis and compliance services offering science-based and technology-driven solutions.
4. Plant Equipment: This zone will feature climate control, drainage, compressors, security systems and more.
5. Packaging Materials: This zone will offer valuable solutions for bespoke line requirements, specific transport and storage needs, and sustainability criteria.
6. Logistics and Handling: In this new zone, visitors can connect with logistics experts and test advancements in supply chain technology and equipment.
7. IT and Digital Factories: New to foodpro, visitors will be able to engage with businesses focusing on IoT, smart sensors, app developments and more.
8. Government and Business Services: This zone will connect visitors with organisations that can support with recruitment, insurance, accounting and other essential business services.

Four-day education program

The education program which will be taking place each day across the Product Innovation Stage, sponsored by Wiley, and the Schneider Electric Smart Food Lounge, will cover a wide breadth of topics including:

Hygienic Design and Operational Excellence for the Food Industry; Novel Ingredient Development from Upcycling; Intellectual Property Relating to Product Innovation in the Food Sector; Harnessing Digital Disruption to Transform Supply Chain; Addressing Market Demand for Food and Beverage Insights; as well as featuring the PIDA Awards and WorldStar Packaging Award Winners.

Network at foodpro Celebration at THE LUME

The foodpro Celebration at THE LUME, sponsored by Contech, is an unmissable evening for visitors and exhibitors to network and celebrate, in an immersive sensory experience. THE LUME is an adventure in art where the walls come alive as light ripples across every surface with curated tastes, aromas and a choreographed soundtrack. A new and exciting 360-degree premium experience for all. Tickets are limited and available for purchase.

AIFST 2023 Convention

As the only national independent voice and network for Australia’s food industry, the Australian Institute of Food Science & Technology (AIFST) will be hosting its annual convention during foodpro at the MCEC from 24–25 July. The organisation champions a robust, innovative science-based Australian food industry to meet future needs. The AIFST is also hosting a networking function after the first day of the Convention for delegates to connect with peers and colleagues over drinks and canapes. Delegate tickets can be purchased directly with the AIFST.

“According to a recent foodpro survey, more than 60% of businesses are looking to make capital expenditure investments in areas such as equipment and technology over the following 12 months,” Parker said. “With food and beverage processing being Australia’s largest manufacturing area, we’re proud to be putting on an event that contributes so much to our manufacturing industry and future.”

foodpro is on 23–26 July 2023, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

For more event details, visit https://foodproexh.com.