Manufacturing innovation across Australia’s food sector is set to take centre stage in July 2026 as foodpro partners with the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST) to deliver a combined platform bringing together food manufacturing, research and industry expertise in Melbourne.
According to foodpro, the foodpro 2026 trade event will run concurrently with the AIFST26 conference at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 26–29 July 2026, with the AIFST conference scheduled for 27–28 July.
Organisers say the dual-event format is designed to connect food science professionals, researchers, regulators and industry stakeholders with the broader food and beverage manufacturing and processing community.
foodpro said the four-day event will feature more than 400 exhibitors showcasing developments in food manufacturing, processing and packaging, alongside displays and learning opportunities for attendees across the sector.
The AIFST26 conference will cover a range of topics relevant to the industry, including food safety, sensory and consumer science, food security and resilience, advances in health and nutrition, food manufacturing, policy and regulation, as well as sustainability and innovation.
Fiona Fleming, CEO of AIFST, said the partnership was intended to strengthen collaboration across the food sector.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with foodpro 2026 — creating a powerful platform to bring the food science and technology community together with the broader food manufacturing and packaging sector,” Fleming said.
“It’s an opportunity to strengthen collaboration across the industry and highlight the essential role of food scientists and technologists in shaping a safe, sustainable and innovative food future for Australia.”
Louise Brooks, Commercial Product Manager of foodpro, said the partnership reflects shared goals around innovation and industry cooperation.
“We’re incredibly proud to welcome the AIFST as an official Association Partner for foodpro 2026 — a partnership that reflects our shared commitment to driving innovation, excellence, and collaboration across the entire food manufacturing and packaging supply chain,” Brooks said.
“This partnership brings together the full spectrum of our industry from research and innovation to production and delivery, creating an unparalleled platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and growth.”
foodpro said the co-located events aim to create a space where professionals from across the agrifood industry can exchange ideas, explore emerging technologies and engage with developments shaping the sector.
The event also marks more than 50 years of foodpro connecting Australia’s food manufacturing and processing community.
Visitor registration for foodpro will be available free of charge through the event’s website, while tickets for the AIFST26 conference will be available via the AIFST website.
