With foodpro ahead and the Hive Awards winners crowned, this issue is a reminder that an industry grows stronger when it gets in a room together.
Foodpro is running from 26-29 July in Melbourne, 20 per cent bigger than 2023, with more than 400 exhibitors and around 9000 attendees expected to walk through the doors. Make sure you come and talk to the team – myself, Lindy Hughson, and Sharon Amos will be there, either at stand 1H1 or roaming the halls.
Head to page 28 for a rundown of show highlights from event director, Louise Brooks, and from page 30, profiles on some of the leading companies exhibiting.
This issue also celebrates the winners of this year’s Hive Awards, a showcase of innovation, ingenuity, tenacity, and vision.
As Kerry ANZ GM, Hive Awards judge, and the event’s keynote speaker, Michelle Thomson said, “The people being recognised today did not succeed because conditions were easy, they succeeded because they kept moving – with judgement, with belief and with the courage to back ideas before the outcome was guaranteed.” (From page 20.)
Australia’s Food & Beverage Accelerator (FaBA) director – also a Hive Awards judge – Dr Chris Downs writes for us (page 14) on the “significant opportunities” and programs already underway in the sector, and the necessity of strengthening the “missing middle” if we are to reduce risk, capture more value, and remain competitive.
This issue’s Snacks & Confectionery feature (page 44) reflects on the confectionery industry’s annual conference held in early June, ConTech. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the event encapsulated much of what the entire food and beverage sector is contending with – the challenges of changing regulations, consumer behaviour and macro forces out of our control. It showed the benefits of coming together, networking, and sharing experiences to keep the momentum and innovation moving.
Whether it is an awards program, trade expo or conference, we are stronger together. See you at foodpro.
