Introduction to food engineering

Food engineering is a multidisciplinary field that combines principles from various branches of science and engineering for the production, processing, preservation, packaging, and distribution of food products. It plays a crucial role in the food industry that helps ensure the availability of safe and high-quality food for consumers while also addressing environmental and sustainability aims.

This short course aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to engineering concepts with a specific focus on the chemical and physical attributes of food, various food processing technologies, process analysis tools, the relationship between process parameters and product quality, and an overview of emerging technologies and digital tools. Throughout the course, practical examples and case studies related to food engineering may be used to illustrate the concepts being taught.

This three-day course is designed to cater to individuals with varying levels of prior knowledge in engineering, making it accessible to both non-engineers and graduate engineers seeking to refresh their understanding of engineering concepts in the context of the food industry.

The program combines the practical experience and in-depth technical knowledge of industry professionals, universities and CSIRO.

Program outline

  • Physical and chemical properties of food
  • Food safety and stability
  • Dimensional analysis
  • Mass and energy balances, heat and mass transfer
  • Thermal processing, refrigeration and chilling technology
  • Size reduction technology
  • Fluids and solids mixing technologies
  • Drying technology
  • Separation technology
  • Dough mixing and handling
  • Frying and freezing technology
  • Food process scale-up
  • Packaging
  • Plant Design for food grade operations
  • Cleaning and sanitation
  • Process modelling and simulation
  • New and emerging technologies
  • Digital technologies
  • Demonstrations and pilot plant tour

Who should attend?

Product development technologists, process improvement technologists, process engineers, innovation managers, technology managers, product development managers, technical managers, quality assurance managers, food safety managers, entrepreneurial investors, equipment suppliers, retailers from the food manufacturing industries, procurement managers, consultants, universities, and government.

Pricing

Registration: $2310

Date and Time:

13-15 May 2024

8.30am to 5.00pm AEST

Location: 

CSIRO's Food Innovation Centre

671 Sneydes Road, Werribee VIC

Registration closes 3 May 2024

Enquire about our special rate (50% discount on early bird rate) for recent graduates who are Australian Food Engineers Association (AFEA) members. Get in quick, there are only four spaces available!

All fees include GST.

Morning tea, light lunch and refreshments are included.

Upcoming Events Submit an Event

February

ISM 2026, organised by Koelnmesse, is returning in 2026 – scheduled in Cologne 1-4 February. The trade fair brings together companies across the entire value chain of the confectionery and snacks sector, with attendees from 71 countries already confirmed for 2026.

EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG) will present an exclusive EtherCAT Seminar Series, geared toward automation professionals, device manufacturers, system integrators, product managers, decisions makers, and students.

March

Foodex Japan is the premier food and beverage exhibition in Japan, attracting more than 3000 exhibiting brands and visitors from over 80 countries.

AAHAR is India’s largest and oldest food and beverage trade show, with 2026 marking the 40th edition of the event. It will feature over 1700 exhibitors across the food and beverage sectors, including an Australia pavilion, hosted by Austrade.

Entering its 19th year, the festival is a local favourite showcasing an impressive array of craft brews, ciders and spirits in a festive outdoor atmosphere at the Mercure Canberra in Braddon. The exciting street-style event will showcase more than 40 local and interstate drinks exhibitors

May

Food & Drink Business presents The Hive Awards, an annual celebration of innovation and excellence in the Australian food and beverage manufacturing sector.

Bringing together chefs, operators, buyers, suppliers, and innovators for three jam-packed days of action across industry trade shows, culinary competitions, free conference streams, awards, and the best hospitality party of the year.

THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2026 is taking place in Bangkok from 26-30 May at Impact Muang Thong Thani, scaling up to 140,000+ square metres with a new hall added for one of the region’s largest food and beverage trade shows.

Melbourne’s tastiest day out will be back in 2026! Watch top chefs and your favourite food heroes live on stage as they cook up a storm and meet the makers to sip, sample and shop their produce.

June

Sydney’s tastiest day out will be back in 2026! From the hottest chilli sauces to the smelliest cheese, the Margaret River to the Barossa, we scour the nation to find the most delicious and exciting products around and bring them all together in one place.