Fine Food Australia 2019 a shining success
The four-day ideas and innovation fest that was Fine Food Australia 2019 was adjudged a shining success by attendees and exhibitors alike – with more than 23,000 industry professionals making their way to the show, which this year was so big that it took up the entire ICC Sydney.
Over 1000 exhibitors and even more brands were on show, with visitors greeted by foyer ‘activations’ the minute they walked through the doors, including “Mastering the Art” masterclasses by leading chefs on all things patisserie, bakery and chocolate.
With more than 50 free demonstrations and 40 free masterclasses across eight stages, Fine Food Australia 2019 encompassed all the latest innovations in food and specialty, catering and hospitality equipment, drinks, bakery equipment and ingredients, healthy living, retail technology, dairy and packaging.
As always, the program of events was designed with foodservice end-users uppermost in mind, and chefs, restaurateurs, business owners and food professionals alike all found plenty to capture their attention.
Interactivity was a key element of this year’s show – with cooking demonstrations designed so that audience members could get an up-close and personal look at how to make the most of ingredients and equipment. The FCSI Innovation Kitchens supported by the NSW Government was packed out with chefs and business owners watching as chefs such as Tawnya Bahr, Adam Moore, Paul Rifkin, Nick Whitehouse, Amanda Fuller and Andre Kropp cooked with the latest ingredient innovations. Efficiencies in products, equipment and menu items were showcased alongside new equipment to hit the market.
“Trade professionals from all over Australia and around the world flocked to the event this year, with many of the presentations and events at capacity,” affirms Fine Food Australia Event Director Minnie Constan, adding that the number of standing-room only events exemplified how the 2019 show had ticked all the boxes for attendees.
Competitions and awards have long been a major attraction of Fine Food and the final day revealed the winners of some key events and challenges. Giles Gabutina and Alessio Nogarotto of Sydney’s Bentley Restaurant & Bar took out the 2019 Nestle Golden Chef’s Hat Award, while WA and VIC businesses reigned at the Official Great Aussie Pie & Sausage Roll Competition – with Pinjarra Bakery of WA winning the plain meat pie category, Old Fernvale Bakery of WA winning best gourmet pie, Molly Dene Bakehouse of VIC winning best gourmet sausage roll, and Tatura Hot Bread of VIC winning best plain sausage roll.
Another eyecatching event was the 2020 Australian Specialty Coffee Association (ASCA) Coffee Chain Challenge, which saw baristas from various businesses competing to produce the perfect coffee based on time, presentation and taste.
Fine Food also played host to the 2019 World Pizza Championship Australia by Le 5 Stagioni, with Mark Paterno, Arte Bianca NSW named overall Winner for 2019 and winner of the Napoli STG pizza category. Paolo Meccariello, Arte Bianca NSW won the classica category, Rida Oudhani, Verace Pizzeria NSW won best gluten free and Claudio Russomanno, Il Bene NSW won best dessert pizza. A spectacle enjoyed by all, this was a tightly contested competition and one that drew a crowd over all days with amazing pizza theatrics.
The Women in Foodservice Charity Event featured a most impressive lineup of inspiring and talented food professionals including Kylie Javier Ashton, Kate Gibbs, Jacqui Challinor and Janelle Bloom, facilitated by Jill Dupleix. The Women in Foodservice Awards promote excellence, success and outstanding contributions to the industry, with awards presented to Shannon Martinez of Smith and Daughters (VIC) for Leadership in Foodservice; Rami Heer of Vintners Bar and Grill (SA) for Restaurant Manager of the Year; Leanne Altman of Melbourne group Andrew McConnell restaurants for Outstanding Service; Nina Huynh of Yellow (NSW) for Rising Star; Thi Le of Anchovy (VIC) for Chef of the Year; and Annie Smithers of Du Fermier (VIC) for Legend of the Industry.
Fine Food Australia also gives out its own awards for the show’s Best New Products, which are hotly contested and highly prized, and you can read about the winners for Best Foodservice Products in this issue’s What’s New section. The other category winners were:
2019 Award Winners
With so much to see and do packed into the four days of Fine Food Australia 2019, attendees may have left with tired feet but certainly with plenty of inspiration and ideas to boost business.
Next year’s show is scheduled for September 7 to 10 at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre – so highlight the date on your calendar now, to be sure you don’t miss Fine Food 2020 when it all kicks off again!
More details at www.finefoodaustralia.com.au.
