This year’s Foodservice Australia set to be bigger than ever

The Foodservice Australia tradeshow will be returning to Sydney from 19-21 May and Event Director Tim Collett says it will be bigger than ever, with over 400 exhibitors and special events including the Australian Chef of the Year, National Restaurant Conference, Aged Care Catering Summit, Sweet Spot Theatre, ACF Restaurant Challenge and Café School. 

“After a challenging few years the industry is back to full strength but facing new headwinds with rising costs and weakening consumer confidence,” Tim says. “That means it’s more important than ever to embrace new ideas and be informed about the latest developments in food preparation and service.

“This show is a rare opportunity for business operators to taste new products, try out the latest equipment and meet the people behind the brands. It’s a chance to get ahead of the competition and also find new suppliers or strengthen relationships.”    

Among the many leading chefs, restaurateurs and industry experts at the show will be chefs Neil Perry, Luke Mangan, Claire Van Vuuren, Darren Templeman, Justin North, Amanda Fuller and Nelly Robinson. Also the ‘Queen of Chocolate’ Kirsten Tibballs, Restaurant & Catering CEO Suresh Manikam and the Melbourne ‘Pav Queen’ Nerida Conway.

New to the Sydney event is the Training Hub, a collection of exhibitors that offer training and recruitment services – vital for operators in today’s tight labour market. There will be plenty of information for students and apprentices just starting their hospitality journey, as well as personalised advice for anyone hiring new staff or upskilling existing team members. 

Along the equipment aisles, visitors will be able to try out the latest gear for back of house including grills, fryers, ovens, refrigeration, kitchen benches and coffee machines, as well as up-to-the-minute point of sale systems and eco-friendly packaging. 

Tim says AI is a driving force in products that automate the kitchen as well as front-of-house operations, which can create efficiencies to increase profits and give operators an edge over their competitors.

“We are now seeing cooking equipment with artificial intelligence and web connectivity that allows chefs to keep tight control, improve kitchen flow and maintain consistency. Buyers are finding that the upfront cost is offset by lower running costs, so the payback can be quite rapid.”

With free registration for anyone working in food or hospitality, Foodservice Australia 2024 is a must-see for anyone who owns or works in cafes, restaurants, catering, hotels and retail food stores.

According to Tim, “in just a few hours you can literally taste the new food trends, check out the new products and catch up with all the suppliers. There is simply no better way to improve your business, boost your career, be inspired and maybe have a bit of fun too!”

Foodservice Australia runs from 19-21 May at ICC Sydney. Visitor registration is free but strictly trade only. You must be over 16 and work in a food or hospitality business to attend.  

For more information on visiting or exhibiting visit www.foodserviceaustralia.com.au