Emerging food and beverage producers in New South Wales are being offered a financial boost to help them showcase their products at Fine Food Australia 2025, a premier tradeshow that attracts thousands of industry visitors each year.
Investment NSW is offering subsidies of $4,500 to support 18 businesses to exhibit within the Flavours of NSW zone at the event, which will be held from 8 to 11 September at the ICC Sydney.
The initiative aims to support local manufacturers looking to grow their presence both domestically and in international markets.
According to Investment NSW, businesses participating in the Flavours of NSW zone will have the opportunity to connect directly with suppliers, distributors, and representatives from retail and hospitality sectors.
NSW Government business support experts will also be present to assist with introductions and networking opportunities.
Rebecca McPhee, Deputy Secretary of Investment NSW, said the annual tradeshow is a key event for small businesses aiming to expand their reach.
“The Fine Food Australia tradeshow is the biggest event on the industry’s calendar, and in particular for small businesses looking to showcase their unique products to both a domestic and global audience,” McPhee said.
“We’re delighted to once again support some of our up-and-coming food and drink businesses to exhibit at Fine Foods and showcase the best flavours that NSW has to offer.”
McPhee highlighted the strength of the state’s food and beverage manufacturing sector, noting it is the largest manufacturing industry in NSW, employing more than 66,000 people across over 4,500 businesses.
One of the businesses previously supported by the NSW Government to attend Fine Food Australia is Ziggy’s Wildfoods, a producer based in Bellingen on the NSW Mid North Coast.
The company, which creates condiments using native Australian ingredients, has since expanded its national distribution and now exports to Japan, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates.
Ziggy’s Wildfoods founder Gabriel Gutnik said the tradeshow played a significant role in the company’s growth.
“The contacts we gained, the friendships we formed have played a massive part in our success,” Gutnik said.
“When trying to export to a new international market, you face many barriers – there are cultural differences and regulatory challenges, however with the support of the NSW Government, we were able to make the right connections and pursue growth opportunities.”
Expressions of interest for the subsidy are now open and will close on Monday, 12 May 2025.
Businesses interested in applying can find eligibility criteria and application details on the Investment NSW website.
