WELCOME TO FOODPRO 2023

On behalf of Diversified Communications Australia and the team at foodpro, I welcome you to Melbourne for the return of leading event for food and beverage processing in Australia.

Our industry is a major contributor to the nation’s economy, both in terms of its financial and employment impact. Food and beverage production is Australia’s largest manufacturing sector, and it has been growing at a very healthy rate over the last decade.

The industry has been quick to respond to consumer demands and trends, and by developing new food processing and packaging technologies and innovations, Australia is staying at the forefront of the industry worldwide. Now more than ever, foodpro is critical for manufacturing professionals to access and learn about these technologies and innovations.

We are proud to be hosting this year’s event in Victoria - the nation’s advanced manufacturing heartland. Victoria is the preferred location in Australia to locate and expand manufacturing operations, with its established supply chains, workforce, skills and research infrastructure. The Victorian Government is proud to be principal partner for foodpro 2023 – the future is Made in Victoria.

We also welcome over 380 exhibiting brands from across the globe, representing suppliers and service providers across 8 key segments on the expo floor including Ingredients, Science & Technology, Government &

Business Services, Packaging Materials, Supply Chain & Logistics, Plant Equipment, IT & Digital Factories and of course, Processing & Packaging.

Once again, the AIFST Annual Convention will be held alongside foodpro. The theme for AIFST 23, ‘The Science of Food –Security and Sustainability’, will speak to the challenges and exciting opportunities ahead for the agri-food industry and the important role food science and technology will play.

We are proud to be working with the AIFST and the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) who will be hosting two training courses centred around the fast-growing Flexible Packaging segment and Active and Intelligent Packaging.

In addition to the paid conference and workshop program, we have accessible education available via two new features. Visit the Product Innovation Stage, sponsored by Wiley where you will hear about latest product developments to support the evolving food manufacturing industry.

Also, drop-in to the Schneider Electric Smart Food Lounge, with presentations focused on efficiency and sustainability of the food manufacturing supply chain. This area will cover trends, technologies and solutions to support compliance and traceability whilst reducing waste and inefficiencies.

As well as sustainability focused education sessions, we have introduced water refill stations and have worked with the MCEC on the removal of unnecessary packaging, resource recovery and other initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of our event. Keep an eye out for Sustainability Spotlight floor tiles throughout the expo, these will direct you to the exhibitors leading the way in mindful manufacturing solutions.

Finally, attendees and exhibitors alike should make the most of foodpro, reuniting, networking, and celebrating the contributions we have all made to our significant industry over the last 6 years. It has been challenging for everyone and we should be proud of the way we have supported the sector in achieving growth during this time. Stop by the Mosca Networking Bar for a drink with your peers, visit the new Sensory Experience to ignite your senses, and I hope to see many of you at our Celebration at The LUME.

If you didn’t get your hands on a foodpro Celebration ticket, you can still visit The LUME during your time at foodpro. Simply show your foodpro badge at the box office to get 20% off tickets.

Thanks for your ongoing support, I really hope you enjoy foodpro 2023 event and be sure to say hello if you see me around the event!