2011 has been a year of challenges for many Queenslanders, and the 2012 Fine Food Show will demonstrate the resilience and success of Queensland businesses across the food, beverage, catering and hospitality industries.

Exhibition Manager, Minnie Constan is thrilled that the Queensland and greater Australian food community has responded so quickly and positively to the 2012 show.

“2011 has certainly been a difficult year for many of our exhibitors, but the response to the show has already exceeded our expectations. Fine Food Queensland is designed to bring the industry together and in 2012 especially, will provide important business leads for all involved.”

The exhibitor list is already filling fast, with a strong and diverse group of local, national and international businesses committed to taking part. Included are Yummy Snack Foods – purveyors of natural snack alternatives, Toby’s Estate Coffee, Unilever, Fonterra Brands, local artisan traders Le Petit Gourmet Trading and many more.

Fine Food Queensland will attract restaurants, cafes, hotels, pubs, clubs, aged care facilities, and food retailers from Queensland and northern New South Wales. Buyers will be able to discover new food and beverage products, see state-of-the-art equipment, gain insight into national and international trends and learn practical new skills and techniques in a highly dynamic environment.

Catering to the whole industry, the Show will be sectioned into easily distinguishable areas to make visitors’ experiences as relevant and easy as possible. Guests will be able to explore:

General Food – From the latest gourmet food and confectionery, to organic, natural and gluten-free products;

Hospitality & Catering Equipment – Showcasing the latest in hospitality equipment, furniture, top of table, POS systems and more;

Dairy World - Dairy products including milk, cheese, dips and drinks;

Drinks World - A full range of hot and cold beverages;

Meat & Seafood World - Fresh and processed meat products for the chef and supermarket;

Packaging World - Cutting-edge packaging ideas and solutions for the foodservice industry; and

Bakery World – A full range of bakery equipment and ingredients.

Plus new to the Show in 2012 is the Queensland Regional Producers Zone, where visitors will find the latest local produce from a selection of Queensland purveyors of quality and artisan foods.

The series of free business seminars also on offer at the show have been designed to provide practical advice to industry members – in particular small foodservice businesses and catering operations – on important and pertinent industry issues. Seminars span the three show days and include topics such as how to attract customers during tough times, cutting costs, smart recruiting to attract and retain the best staff and profit tactics for the year ahead.

“Fine Food Queensland will inspire and excite visitors.” says Minnie Constan. “The show will once again deliver the sales, relationship building, education, and networking opportunities the sector needs and deserves. From topical business seminars to the exciting Restaurant of Champions competition to the worlds of Bakery, Dairy, Meat & Seafood and Drinks, it will be three days of non-stop action.”

Fine Food Queensland is strictly trade only show and members of the foodservice and hospitality industries can register to attend the show for free by visiting www.finefoodqueensland.com.au.

What: Fine Food Queensland

When: 11-13 March 2011

Where: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre

To register and for more information:

www.finefoodqueensland.com.au