FoodTech QLD has announced the speaker line-up for its 2025 conference, set to take place on 19 to 20 June at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre.
Registration for the event is now open, with early bird discounts available for the two-day pass.
The conference program will feature leading experts sharing insights across food safety, packaging, processing, sustainability, and investment in food technology.
Professor Jason Stokes of The University of Queensland and the Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA) will deliver the keynote address titled “Shaping the Future of Food Manufacturing in Australia.”
With over 25 years of experience, including a decade at Unilever, Professor Stokes will explore how emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, precision fermentation, and circular economy principles are transforming the food manufacturing sector to meet increasing consumer demands for healthier and more sustainable products.
Other sessions include a panel on “Innovating for Food Safety: Tackling Emerging Risks,” presented by the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST).
This discussion will focus on the application of AI, blockchain, and rapid detection tools to enhance food safety, featuring speakers Troy Gosetti from Neogen, Dr Uta Gasanov Booth of Hygenia, and Rob Sherlock from Safe Food Queensland.
The conference will also explore “The Future of Functional Foods,” covering developments in personalized nutrition, microbiome science, and evolving regulatory landscapes.
Presenters include Lisa-Claire Ronquest-Ross from v2food, Stewart Eddie of ASKAFOODTECH, and Professor Jolieke van der Pols from The University of Queensland.
Sustainability in packaging is another key topic, with the Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP) hosting a session called “Smart and Sustainable: Packaging Solutions for SMEs.”
The discussion will offer practical strategies for small to medium-sized food businesses, featuring experts such as Dr Nicole Garafano from Planet Ark and Jean-François Roiron from Koor.
Additionally, the role of startups and investors in driving food technology innovation will be highlighted in the session “Fuelling Food Tech Innovation: How Startups and Investors are Shaping the Future.”
Speakers include Sioban Coster from Eclipse Ingredients and Philippe Ceulen of Mandalay Venture Partners.
FoodTech QLD described the conference as a must-attend event for professionals engaged in food and beverage manufacturing and processing who want to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving industry.
The full agenda and speaker details are available on the FoodTech QLD website, where attendees can also register for one- or two-day tickets.
