Key Facts:
- foodpro 2026 and AIFST26 conference will run concurrently in Melbourne from 26-29 July 2026, with the AIFST conference occurring on 27-28 July
- The event will feature over 400 exhibitors showcasing food manufacturing and packaging innovations
- AIFST26 will cover topics including food safety, consumer science, health and nutrition, manufacturing, policy and sustainability
- The partnership aims to bring together food science professionals, researchers, regulators and industry stakeholders
- The events will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, with free registration available for foodpro
foodpro, Australia's leading trade event for food processing, packaging and innovation, has announced a major partnership with the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST) giving the industry even more reasons to gather in Melbourne from 26–29 July 2026.
The AIFST and foodpro are pleased to announce that the AIFST26 conference will be held in Melbourne and run concurrently with the foodpro 2026 event. The AIFST conference (AIFST26) will be held over two days — Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 July during the four-day foodpro event.
By co-locating with foodpro, AIFST26 will bring together food science and technology professionals, researchers, regulators and industry stakeholders alongside the broader food and beverage manufacturing and processing community. No matter what area of the agrifood industry you work or study in, the dual-event format offers an immersive platform where ideas, innovations and industry connections converge.
Over four dynamic days, foodpro 2026 will bring together the full spectrum of food manufacturing and packaging with more than 400 exhibitors, cutting-edge displays and hands-on learning opportunities for attendees. Attendees of AIFST26 can expect to explore topics of food safety, sensory and consumer science, food security and resilience, advances in health and nutrition, food manufacturing, food policy and regulation, as well as innovation and sustainability.
Fiona Fleming, CEO of the AIFST, shared: "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.
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, added:
"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.
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.
Together, we're connecting the people, ideas, and technologies shaping the future of Australia's food industry."
foodpro returns to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 26–29 July 2026, celebrating over 50 years of connecting and inspiring Australia's food manufacturing and processing community. Free visitor registration for foodpro is available at foodproexpo.com/register.
The AIFST26 Conference will be held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC), tickets will be available via the AIFST website - www.aifst.asn.au.
Together, foodpro 2026 and AIFST26 will showcase the innovation, expertise and collaboration driving the future of Australian food.
About us:
About foodpro:
The manufacturing sector is vitally important for our economic future, with food and beverage processing being Australia's largest manufacturing industry. foodpro connects professionals across the food and beverage value chain seeking cutting-edge solutions in processing, packaging, beverage equipment, digital technologies, logistics, and sustainability to drive efficiency, compliance, and growth.
