Foodpreneurs Festival

With the goal of helpings SMEs scale and stimulate interest in the speciality food sector, the inaugural Foodpreneurs Festival is being held at the Sydney StartUp Hub on 19 May.

There will be expert talks and panel discussions, facilitated networking and collaboration opportunities, and the prospect of brand owners to access a year’s worth of sales opportunities in one day.

On the main stage will be 20 of Australia’s most accomplished speakers including growth and innovation experts and founders from significant brands, including GymBod, Pure Pops, and Coco & Lucas. 

The speaker program will offer insights on: 

  • Winning buyers over in a competitive market;
  • how to survive working with ‘the majors’ where margins are ruthless;
  • why foodpreneurs don’t make money and what to do about it; and
  • what the future of retailing looks like for food and drink brands.

Speakers include:

  • Dave McAuley – Care Food Co
  • Craig Rochat – Land of Plenty Food Wholesaler and Brand Owner
  • Matthew Jinks – Random Harvest Gourmet Hampers
  • Nicky Jackson – RangeMe Product Discovery, Sourcing, and Purchasing Platform
  • Diem Fuggersburger – Berger Ingredients & Coco and Lucas
  • Becky Mead – Play Innovation Consumer Insights
  • Celia Harding – PR Shed
  • Cian Dawson & Courtney Brown – GymBod Better Option Desserts
  • Alice Storey & Georgina Larby – Pure Pops Natural Ice Pops
  • Sally Gosper – Two Providores Wholesale Food Distributor

 The ‘Express Lane’ will see a curated line-up of industry experts provide bespoke advice and guidance on start-ups’ product, plan, and potential.

There will also be a speed pitching program, ‘Pitch Hub’, where brand owners will be able to take their shot at landing on the shelves of more than 78 stockists that will be represented at the festival by some of Australia’s biggest retailers such as David Jones and IGA Supermarkets.

Tickets: $149 
Foodpreneurs Festival Eventbrite Page

Upcoming Events Submit an Event

January

One of the industries largest food and beverage sourcing and innovation shows is kicking off the year. Gulfood 2026 is taking place in Dubai, UAE at Expo City Dubai – with country partner, India, supporting the 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.

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.

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.

July

Welcome to Australia’s favourite destination for food and wine experiences. The Good Food & Wine Show returns to Perth for 2026, taking place at PCEC from 17-19 July. Are you ready for the ultimate foodie day out?

After a three year break, foodpro is returning in 2026, featuring cutting-edge processing technology, world-class packaging, breakthrough ingredients and sustainable solutions – all under one roof.

October

Brisbane’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.