What's happening at Fine Food Australia 2018?

At Fine Food Australia this September, the country’s foodservice industry will come together in Melbourne to see what’s new in the industry.

With over 1000 exhibitors and 24,000 attendees, it will feature new speakers and zones, demonstrations and masterclasses, and the Australian selections for The World Trophy of Pastry, Gelato and Chocolate.

Take the stage

At the Talking Food Stage, presented by Silverchef, attendees can listen to dicussions around ‘the dark side of hospitality’, which covers issues that affect a large proportion of the industry but are not widely spoken about: substance abuse and depression. Other hot topics include sustainability and how to reduce waste in commercial kitchens, and how to manage staffing issues.

Presented by Freedom Foods, the Café Stage will show attendees how to make food that translates from plate to delivery, define their USP, and provide new ideas and inspiration to take back to their café.

Over at the Innovations in Patisserie Stage, presented by Callebaut, some of the country’s best pastry chefs, chocolatiers and bakers will demonstrate key techniques and give tips on dessert trends.

In the zone

For the first time, there will be a designated zone for all things design called Fitout and Design. It will showcase what’s required to fitout, refurb, rethink or redesign a venue, covering everything from furniture, carpet, tiles and music systems, to the brains behind the perfect fit-out including builders, architects and operational specialists.

Businesses breaking into the foodservice and hospitality industry will also be welcomed at Fine Foods Australia with the new Start-Up zone.

Chocolate indulgence

Attendees with a sweet tooth are encouraged to watch International Belcolade Master Chocolatier Stephane Leroux. Travelling from France, he will be talking about his techniques and creating stunning chocolate masterpieces.

This year will also be the first time the selections finale to represent Australia in the World Trophy of Pastry, Gelato, and Chocolate 2019 in Italy will be held at Fine Food Australia. Organised by the International Federation of Pastry, Gelato, and Chocolate (FIPGC), visitors can watch the nation’s best pastry chefs compete against one another, and the three winners will go on to the final stages in Milan in October 2019. Their creations will be judged by: Adriano Zumbo, celebrity pastry chef and TV star; Luigi Stivaletta, International judge from the APA (Australian Patisserie Academy) and TAFE; and Barbara Castiglione, member of FIPGC Excellence Team and coach at the ICIF Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners.

The four days will also include: the Australian Culinary Challenge, Australian International Tea Expo, Lions’ Den, Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award National Final and Women in Foodservice Charity Event.

When: 10–13 September 2018

Where: Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre

For more information: https://finefoodaustralia.com.au/

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/whitestorm