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Melbourne is gearing up to welcome the “world of hospitality” with the launch of Foodservice & Hospitality Week (FHW).
To be held between 18 and 20 May 2025, the event is expected to “transform” the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre into Australia’s “epicentre of innovation and inspiration” for the culinary business world.
Uniting the entire hospitality and foodservice ecosystem under one roof across many different events, FHW aims to set a new standard for food industry events by creating a multi-event platform that is tailored to the needs of different hospitality communities.
“We’re bringing together chefs, owners, operators and buyers from all corners of the industry to meet, do business and celebrate with food, beverage and equipment manufacturers across a dynamic mix of trade shows, conferences, competitions, awards, dinners and parties,” says National Media Food & Beverage Portfolio Director Mike Hill.
“Whether you’re a single-unit restaurant or cafe owner, a national QSR brand or part of a big hospitality group or a contract catering firm, FHW will serve up something for everyone in the industry.
“We are bringing together many different events to provide a focused environment for professionals to connect and exchange ideas within their specific domain. Our goal is to provide tailored information, education and solutions/products that meet the unique needs of each attendee while also providing a fun and inspiring experience.
For the first time, the annual Foodservice Australia will take place alongside:
- Commercial Kitchen Show – “all the gear and equipment to prep, cook, store and serve”.
- Pizza Pasta & Italian Food Show – for pizzeria and Italian-themed restaurants.
- Restaurant Technology Show – solutions shaping the future of foodservice.
- QSR Ignite Conference – a “pivotal” new event for Australia’s $24.9 billion QSR market.
- Australian Pizza Championships – in search for the “ultimate” pizzas and pizzaiolos.
- Australia’s Gelato Awards – recognising “our finest” flavours and artisans.
- Professional Chef of the Year – celebrating Australia’s next top chefs.
- Bocuse d’Or – eegional selections for the world’s “most prestigious” culinary contest.
- Aged Care Catering Summit – ideas and solutions for better food and dining experiences in care facilities.
The overarching event will serve an audience of more than 15,000 owners and operators of restaurants, bars, hotels, pubs, clubs, cafes, bakeries, fast food outlets, food trucks, airlines and cruise lines, contract caterers and institutional foodservice facilities: hospitals, aged care homes, school canteens, universities, corporate kitchens, mining camps, military messes and correctional facilities.
Foodservice Australia acquisition
The launch of this new industry initiative has come off the back of National Media’s recent acquisition of Foodservice Australia, an event that dates back to 1967.
“Launched 58 years ago, Foodservice Australia is the nation’s longest running foodservice and catering industry trade event,” says National Media CEO Brad Langton.
“We are thrilled to be the new custodians of Foodservice Australia, an event that has been instrumental in supporting the Australian hospitality and foodservice industry.
“Over the years, the event has expanded its reach, attracting an audience beyond foodservice.
“However, we are committed to returning the show to its core focus – serving as a dedicated platform and hub for the hospitality and foodservice community.”