foodpro 2023 Day Two Highlights

Another successful day of innovation, productivity and networking at foodpro!

With Monday traditionally being a big day for foodpro, the floor was abuzz at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre today with visitors.

Australia’s largest and most trusted food manufacturing show foodpro, had a massive first day at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre with more than 400 exhibitors, constant foot traffic and engaging speaker presentations. The best of new automation and innovation was out in force.

foodpro 2023 officially opened

The show was officially opened by MP Bronwyn Halfpenny, Parliamentary Secretary for Jobs shortly before the doors opened. Ms Halfpenny attended on behalf of Ben Carroll, Minister for Industry and Innovation. Speaking in front of a packed crowd, Ms Halfpenny said, “The Victorian Government has established food as one of the key five areas that is vitally important to Victoria. We understand that isn’t easy for businesses small and large in this area, so we are pleased to partner this event to help put Victoria on the map for the food and beverage industry.”

Zone focuses – Ingredients and food science

KERRY – Showcasing new and healthy

Leaders in taste in nutrition for the food and beverage industry, Kerry exhibited their commitment to great tasting products with improved nutrition and functionality. Kerry’s research and development team offered a number of mouth-watering samples to visitors showcasing their technologies. The plant-based hoi sin duk featured plant based meat marinated with Hoi Sin style sauce, and Kerry technologies such as Kerry Tastesense Masking, Kerry Red Arrow Smoke and Fermentation processes. Meanwhile the Kerry beverages stand was popular, with visitors in particular interested in trying the Vegan Protein Punch which showcased how to introduce protein into a non-dairy drink. This flavoured water featured Kerry Prodiem Refresh Pea Protein and BC30 probiotic. Kerry were pleased with stand attendence including interest from food technology university students – the next generation of scientists.

HAWKINS WATTS – Innovative hawker food stall

Specialists in food, beverage and supplement ingredients, Hawkins Watts demonstrated their commitment to innovation, quality and service with a unique hawker food stand. The company showcased their ingredients in a unique way by preparing a number of free sample dishes such as their very popular vegan mac n Kim-cheese croquettes. Having prepared a similar concept three years ago to be debuted at the previous foodpro, which was postponed due to the pandemic, the company was thrilled with the amount of interest in their stand.

GELITA – Collagen infused products

Gelatine, functional protein and collagen peptide experts, Gelita, showcased a range of natural, pure, allergen free and clean label ingredients. In particular, Gelita reported that businesses showed a keen interest in applications for collagen infused products such as collagen gummies and iced tea mix. Several versions of these were on display at the stand.

THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC – Testing for greater food safety

A leader in servicing science in the realm of food safety testing, Thermo Fisher Scientific showcased a comprehensive range of testing equipment this year including the Orion Versa Star Pro – which is used to check parameters of liquids as well as listeria testing. The Listeria Precis Methods delivers up to one third faster time to result (for detection compared to other validated rapid culture media-based methods) and dramatically simplifies workflows for streamlined laboratory operations.

Speaker presentations:

At the Wiley Product Innovation Stage John Ho from Connell Bros discussed Natural Blend Solutions for food preservation which looked at the new DuraShield blends developed by Kalsec to inhibit the growth of spoilage microorganisms. Karin Blacow from Commercial Food Sanitation also guided visitors through how a Proactive approach to hygenic design will increase sanitation efficiency and positively impact product up-time and product shelf life. At the Smart Food Lounge by Schneider Electric, Brad Yager from Schneider Electric discussed Driving sustainability through digital transformation for the food and beverage industry regarding the latest technologies and businesses partnering to meet consumer demands. Meanwhile Joe Liu from CSIRO discussed the topic of Precision Fermentation. This is a rapidly growing technology in the food industry using microorganisms to produce various food and beverage products.

The show continues until July 26. Stay tuned for more exciting highlights tomorrow.