For nearly two decades the Foodservice Association Australia (FSAA) has proudly championed the future of our industry through its training and scholarship programs. What began as a commitment to support emerging talent has grown into one of the most impactful initiatives in Australian foodservice, shaping the careers of tomorrow’s leaders and reinforcing the value of lifelong learning.

Each year the FSAA encourages high potential individuals to compete for a scholarship that will supercharge their professional development. The 2025 finalists for both the FSAA Business Management Scholarship delivered through Melbourne Business School and the newly introduced Marketing Scholarship sponsored by The Restaurant Show represent the very best of emerging talent within our sector.

Business Management Scholarship 2025 finalists

Abraham Chalhoub

David March

Holly Tullet

The Business Management Scholarship is designed to challenge the strategic thinking and leadership capabilities of foodservice professionals. This year’s finalists David March (Unilever Food Solutions), Abraham Chalhoub (Birch & Waite) and Holly Tullett (Anchor Food Professionals) have demonstrated not only strong commercial acumen but also the potential to lead with purpose and vision.

FSAA launches Marketing Scholarship

Complementing this, the FSAA has launched a Marketing Scholarship tailored to meet the fast-evolving needs of our industry. Sponsored by The Restaurant & Foodservice Show, this new initiative focuses on digital marketing and e-commerce strategy – crucial skills for marketers. The inaugural finalists Kristine Elliot (MasterFoods), Silvia Smarrelli (Bega Foodservice), Korrin Jefkins (Anchor Food Professionals) and Stacey Yoro (Unilever Food Solutions) have each presented bold, forward-thinking strategies.

Kristine Elliot

Silvia Smarrelli

Korrin Jefkins

Stacey Yoro

The calibre of applicants across both programs has been outstanding, highlighting not just individual potential but the depth of talent across our member organisations. Each finalist has demonstrated a commitment to growth, a passion for the foodservice industry and a readiness to step into leadership roles.

Testament to the impact of these programs is the feedback from past recipients. As 2024 winner of the Management Scholarship, Nikki Keyte shared:

“The General Management Program at Melbourne Business School was a career changing opportunity. The chance to learn from some amazing facilitators who specialise in strategy, marketing, finance and people management has set me up with tools that I will continue to use throughout my professional career.

“The course was presented in an incredibly engaging way and the ability to learn and study with and from like-minded business professionals from different sectors across both Australia and New Zealand has provided me with some valuable skills for my career progression.

“Thanks to the FSAA and the General Management Program I feel more prepared to read and understand financial statements, prepare and execute a well-defined business strategy and build a strong culture within my team and wider business.

“The skills I have learnt will be an important chapter in my professional development as a leader and have set me with a strong foundation to continue to grow in my career.”

This is exactly why FSAA continues to invest in these initiatives. It’s not just about rewarding talent – it’s about creating a ripple effect that strengthens our entire industry. When one person grows, their teams grow and so too does the capability of our sector as a whole.

We are incredibly proud of the finalists and grateful to our partners at Melbourne Business School and The Restaurant & Foodservice Show for sharing our vision of a stronger, more dynamic foodservice industry.

“These scholarships are more than a prize – they are an investment in the future of foodservice and a platform for transformation”

Winners will be announced at the FSAA National Awards of Excellence, Grand Ballroom, Royal Randwick on Tuesday 9 September during Australia’s largest foodservice event, Fine Food Australia.

We celebrate not just those who will receive the scholarships but all finalists who have stepped forward with courage, creativity and commitment to our industry’s future.

For more information on the Foodservice Association Australia (FSAA) or to become a member – please contact Minnie Constan, mconstan@fsaa.org.au