The event – Monday 15 March at the Sunshine Coast Airport, will connect 80 food and beverage businesses from the Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Gympie and Moreton Bay with local, state and national food retailers, distributors and industry stakeholders – making it South East Queensland’s largest independent food and beverage trade event.
Food and Agribusiness Network (FAN) CEO Emma Greenhatch said the event would create valuable commercial connections and opportunities for its members and the wider food and beverage industry.
“Meet the Makers 2021 will showcase the amazing array and diversity of products and produce that is made here on the Greater Sunshine Coast – to a wide group of industry buyers and supporters,” said Ms Greenhatch.
“This event aligns with the strategies of FAN, and other regional stakeholders including the Sunshine Coast Airport and the Sunshine Coast Council to make the region the Australian epicentre for scaling food and beverage manufacturing businesses through an ecosystem that drives collaboration and innovation.”
Sunshine Coast Airport CEO Andrew Brodie said the region was very proud of the food, agricultural and beverage industry.
“Supporting initiatives like Meet the Makers not only strengthens our local economy, but raises awareness of this important industry,” Mr Brodie said.
“We are a big supporter of the industry and our long-term Masterplan identifies the need for a Freight and Logistics Hub at our Airport – creating jobs in the region and opening up opportunities for our regional producers to expand their markets and ultimately their business.”
Sunshine Coast Economic Development Councillor Jason O’Pray said Meet the Makers was a great opportunity to showcase the incredible food and beverage products made right here on the Sunshine Coast.
“The Sunshine Coast is rapidly becoming recognised as one of the most dynamic locations for new food, beverage and agribusiness investment in Australia. This is great news for the region’s economy and also for the long-term prosperity of food businesses,” Cr O’Pray said.
“In 2018, our local food and agribusiness industry was valued at *$700 million, with more than 900 businesses located in our region.
“This event provides the perfect platform for our incredible food industry to get in front of local, regional and national buyers. These introductions could be game changing for some of our producers,” Cr O’Pray said.
Meet the Makers 2021 invites local food retailers, food services professionals, distribution businesses and restaurant and café owners to register for the first buyer session from 2.00pm – 6.00pm. Tickets for the networking session from 6.00pm – 9.00pm are also available for purchase.
DETAILS:
Monday 15 March
Hanger 2 Sunshine Coast Airport
For full info https://foodagribusiness.org.au/meet-the-makers/
For further information
Nicole McNaughton
Marketing and Events Manager
Food and Agribusiness Network
0433 603 575
With special thanks to our event partners Sunshine Coast Airport and Sunshine Coast Council and event sponsors White’s IGA, Fishbowl Inventory, AusIndustry, Noosa Council, Moreton Bay Regional Council and Your Brand Crew.
*(University of the Sunshine Coast Food Research Group, 2018[2002KB]).
