Chefs, restaurateurs, cafes, food stores, retailers, accommodation and attraction providers and serious foodies are all invited to Meet the Makers 2019 – a celebration of the Greater Sunshine Coast's amazing food and produce.
Sunshine Coast Council is proud to support the Food and Agricultural Network (FAN) who are the organisers of the event, which is set to profile more than 65 producers and food business from the Sunshine Coast region.
Sunshine Coast Councillor Jenny McKay whose Division 5 is home to many regional food businesses said this is a great initiative for the food industry and wider community.
"We're proud to support FAN as the fastest growing food industry not for profit network in Australia, while also supporting our Sunshine Coast businesses to showcase their delicious products to buyers.
"The Sunshine Coast is rapidly being recognised as one of the most dynamic locations for new food, beverage and agribusiness investment in Australia. This is great news for the region and also for the long term prosperity of food businesses.
"The Meet the Maker event provides the perfect platform for the food industry to get in front of local, regional and national buyers. These introductions could be game changing for some of our producers.
"With our continued support and the ongoing collaborations with FAN, I have no doubt there will be even more success stories coming from the region in the future."
FAN General Manager Emma Greenhatch said the Meet the Makers event will showcase the incredible diversity of produce and food products from the region to buyers, media, FAN members, foodies and industry stakeholders.
"The Greater Sunshine Coast is one of Australia's fastest growing food regions with renowned international brands like Gourmet Garden, Buderim Ginger and COYO sitting alongside a plethora of artisan producers.
"Attendees at Meet the Makers will be able to sample everything from honey, macadamia nuts, chocolate, coffee, jams and preserves to gluten-free goodies, gnocchi, artisan cheeses and craft beers.
"We're excited to gather so many local food producers at the Big Pineapple on 11 March and encourage anyone from the region and beyond who wants to see why we're the hottest new food destination to come and meet the makers.
"Hear their stories, sample and buy their products and then tell everyone you know!
"FAN is all about creating opportunities to grow our regions' food and agribusiness industry and Meet the Makers is set to become an important event on the annual calendar that will expand the footprint and profile of our food businesses in local, national and international markets."
