The cutting edge of food innovation

The Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST) is expecting more than 600 attendees for this year’s convention, which is being co-located with foodpro 2014 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

AIFST Business Development Manager Stefan Worsley said this year’s convention includes around 100 presentations and workshops tackling key themes including ‘Australia as Asia’s food bowl’ and ‘innovation in food’.

“Interest in food manufacturing is particularly strong, especially within the food science sector.”

“Much of the demand is being fuelled by greater innovation and an increasing demand from the growing Asian middle class for western-style produced food.”

Worsley said that delegates can attend any session they like and all foodpro exhibitors are invited to the opening welcome reception and motivational speech by Olympic gold medallist and Melbourne local Alisa Camplin-Warner.

“Another highlight of the convention will be the roundtable debate on ‘Mining Boom to Food Boom’ hosted by Emma Alberici from ABC1’s Lateline program.”

foodpro Exhibition Manager Peter Petherick said the co-location of foodpro 2014 with the AIFST’s Convention combines the industry’s leading minds and latest technology.

“Melbourne will be a buzzing centre for the food manufacturing industry as people from all walks of the industry converge in the one place - from scientists and educationalists, to large producers.

”The two events have combined forces since 2002 and are very complementary. AIFST is at the forefront of the latest food policies and market trends, while foodpro showcases the commercial implications of emerging technical and scientific innovations,” Petherick said.

Petherick said floor space at foodpro is all but sold out, with just a small amount of space remaining, while 2014 visitor registrations continue to outstrip foodpro 2011.

“Although Victoria is a new host for foodpro, local representation has been overwhelming. Victorian manufacturers have been eager to have the event in their own backyard.

“What’s great about having the conference right next door to the event is that delegates attending the conference can pop into foodpro to see the latest technical products on the market in one place,” said Petherick.

Both the AIFST Convention and foodpro 2014 will run from Sunday June 22 to Wednesday June 25 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Southbank. To learn more about AIFST and the 2014 Convention, visit www.aifst.asn.au.

In the food industry? You need to visit foodpro

foodpro is the definitive event for the food manufacturing and processing industry in Australasia.

Serving the industry since 1967, the year 2014 will see foodpro come to Melbourne for the very first time.

Held once every three years, foodpro provides visitors with an opportunity to meet face to face with specialist suppliers and compare an extensive range of ingredients, packaging solutions, as well as food processing machinery and technology, all under the one roof.

The event showcases the latest global innovations and trends to help decrease operating costs and increase efficiencies.

To learn more about foodpro 2014 or to register for free entry, visit www.foodproexh.com