A feast of clever ideas and inspiration
Published on 09 July 2024
Local business people will get a rare insight into a people-led revolution shaking things up in the food and beverage industry at a special evening hosted by City of Coffs Harbour.
This event will bring together everyone from the local food chain - producers, farmers, fishers manufacturers, distributors, retailers, wholesalers, cafe owners and restaurateurs - to lay the groundwork for future collaborations.
The Coffs Coast agrifood sector adds more than $744 million annually to the local economy and is the largest producer of exports in the region.
The evening at Coffs Central will kick off with networking while guests sample some of the best produce the region has to offer.
Participants will then hear about two exciting initiatives on the Sunshine Coast.
The first is a not-for-profit food industry cluster which drives trade locally and globally through collaboration and innovation.
Known as the Food and Agribusiness Network (FAN), its CEO Nicole McNaughton will explain how the group has given members the chance to connect, build capability, increase knowledge and grow their profile.
The other guest speaker will be Andy Eves-Brown, CEO of TURBINE, Australia’s first purpose built, end-to-end food and beverage manufacturing and education precinct.
“This will be a high value presentation if you are a producer, manufacturer or business owner in the agrifood sector,” City of Coffs Harbour General Manager Natalia Cowley said.
“Our area is forging an identity as a growing food bowl with top quality products, and this evening will light the fuse to leverage this opportunity.”
Attendees can engage directly with the keynote speakers in a dedicated Q&A session and be updated on the Coffs Agrifood Living Lab (CALL) project by facilitators Dr Oz Dedehayir and Dr Jack Adams.
The event at Coffs Central Level 1 is free but registrations are essential. You can book here.
The session will run from 5.30-8.30pm on Tuesday 23 July, and is open to anyone associated with the food and beverage sector in Coffs Harbour and surrounds.
The event is hosted by Future Food Systems, City of Coffs Harbour and QUT.