The state's food industry shines at Fine Food Queensland
The strong turnout for Fine Food Queensland’s return to Brisbane earlier this week is a reflection of the state’s growing and expanding industry. Welcoming approximately 5,000 visitors through the doors over the course of the three day event, the Sunshine State’s biggest food industry event confirmed its reputation as the most relevant, practical, and pertinent gathering of Queensland’s industry.
The reinvigorated event featured a clear focus on fresh, healthy food options and produce – a result of extensive research by organisers Diversified Communications. In demand from both a trade and consumer perspective, healthy eating and sustainable practices were a key focus across the floor and stage presentations.
Exhibition Director, Minnie Constan, says, “The feedback from the event has been incredibly positive, and our strong visitor numbers are evidence of the show’s ongoing relevance to the industry. The food industry in Queensland is currently sustaining one of the highest growth rates in all states, and supporting local businesses to harness this prosperity was a key objective of Fine Food Queensland.”
Highlights of the event included a visit from the Honourable Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Queensland, Leanne Donaldson, who took the time to meet local producers on the show floor. Also incredibly popular were stage presentations by Kirsten Tibballs at her eponymous Pastry Stage, where it was regularly a standing room only affair. Crowds also gathered to watch local, national, and international baristas battle it out at the World’s Richest Barista Competition where the Espresso Room Team from Canberra took out the winning title. After equally intense judging, other major award winners at the event were determined over at the Australian Culinary Challenge Regional Competition and included Hyeonju Jeon, Most Outstanding Apprentice trainee; Leslie Chan, Most Outstanding Chef, and Jerome Magisson, Most outstanding Pastry Chef Trophy.
By providing access to both local and national experts, new products, and innovations, the 2016 event maximised opportunities for businesses to do business on the show floor, as well as stay ahead of industry trends from around the state, country, and the world.
Fine Food Queensland is the state’s premier food trade event, catering for Queensland’s burgeoning foodservice, hospitality and food retail industries, bringing together exhibitors and visitors to do business and to celebrate new ideas and innovation in the food industry.
Fine Food Queensland will return to Brisbane in 2018.
Source: Fine Food Queensland, 13th April 2016
