This year’s Fine Food Australia event has come to a close for 2024 with a massive turnout over a whirlwind four days at Melbourne’s Convention and Exhibition Centre. This year marked the organisation’s 40th anniversary, and the event hosted some of Australia’s most forward-thinking brands, committed to leading the future of sustainable retail methods.
Fine Food Australia hosted an impressive number of industry experts, chefs and baristas, dishing up various demonstrations, educational sessions and competitions impressing crowds of visitors from around the globe.
The food industry was represented by over 875 Australian and international exhibitors sharing innovative new products across categories including catering equipment, bakery, front of house, food products, beverages, hospitality and retail technology, meat and seafood, packaging and more.
Event product manager, Sinead Kavanagh, said the excitement and buzz at Fine Food shows that whilst past years have been challenging for the industry, there still remains a thirst for knowledge, innovation and connection, continuing to drive success within the foodservice and hospitality industry.
“It was so refreshing to see the huge number of international visitors and buyers that came seeking Australian products and solutions,” said Kavanagh.
“Having over 200 buyer meetings across the 4-day show is a testament to the reputation of Australian products globally. We also celebrated milestones across the show this year with many exhibitors and partners celebrating big birthdays like the Great Aussie Pie Comp celebrating 35 years, Trenton celebrating 30 Years and of course our own 40th Anniversary.”
“The passion, innovation and creativity that we saw on display this week spurs our team at Fine Food on to continue the energy next year at Sydney in 2025,” she said.
A highlight of the show was The Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award competition. Created to support emerging culinary talent, offering young chefs the opportunity to gain recognition and be spotlighted by industry experts. Twelve finalists selected from across Australia and New Zealand put their skills to the test, battling for first place in categories including entree main and dessert. Winner Archer Houghton took first place, and the title of 2024 Golden Chef of the year.
Winners for the show’s key competitions included;
Battle of The Sanga
- WINNER: Mary Akindele from Sam’s Café in St Kilda.
The Great Aussie Pie Comp
- Plain Meat Pie
WINNER: Buddy Bakery (Melton, VIC) – Chunky Pie
Runner-up: Four Seasons Patisserie & Bakery (High Wycombe, WA) – Chunky Pie - Gourmet Pie
WINNER: Jack’s Bakery (Halls Head, WA) – Lamb & Red Wine Pie - Plain Sausage Roll
WINNER: Orange Spot Bakery (Glenelg, SA) – Beef & Pork Sausage Roll - Gourmet Sausage Roll
WINNER: Orange Pie Company (Orange, NSW) – Maple Bacon & Hazelnut Sausage Roll
Bega National Apprentice of the Year
- 1st Year Apprentice Chef Winner - Kirra McClenahan from Victoria
- 2nd Year Apprentice Chef Winner - Mei Chieng from Western Australia
- Culinary Student Winner: Marben Rios Cruz from NSW ACT & Regions
- Final Year Apprentice Chef Winner: Garam Han from Victoria
- 2024 Champion Apprentice: Mei Chieng from Western Australia.
ACF Culinary Challenge
- 2024 Most Outstanding Chef: Bivushan Bhandari from Victoria.
- 2024 Most Outstanding Apprentice Chef Trainee: Neil Sebastian from ACT.
- 2024 Best Centre Piece in show: Remold Fernando from Victoria.
- 2024 Most Outstanding Pastry Chef: Remold Fernando, for the second year in a row.
Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat
- Archer Houghton took out the title of 2024 Golden Chef of the Year
Bake Skills Australia
- Ryan Wu from Eat Cannoli in Victoria successfully claimed the 2024 Bake Skills Champion Baker.
- Imogen Fearon from Brisbane’s Cerin Pasticceria claimed the 2024 Pastry Chef title.
The Fine Food Australia Expo will return to Sydney’s ICC next year from 8-11 September, 2025.
