FINE FOOD A FEAST FOR RETAILERS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

13 Jul 2004

This year’s Fine Food exhibition will be a landmark event for the Australian food industry according to organisers Australian Exhibition Services.

For the first time Fine Food and its associated events will occupy the whole of the Melbourne Exhibition Centre … a first for a food industry exhibition and further confirmation of its status as a truly national event.

Fine Food is Australia’s definitive event for the food industry and features the latest food, drink and equipment trends. There will be over 750 exhibitors from 22 nations. It is a must-see for supermarkets, convenience stores and specialty retailers.

The big news this year is the launch of Fine Wine & Spirits. This stand-alone show will run alongside Fine Food and feature alcoholic beverages from around the world. It is the first dedicated international wine show for retailers and hospitality buyers.

Timothy Collett, Fine Foods Exhibition Director, outlined why the exhibition has become the must-see event for the food industry.

“This is the only place where industry buyers can see the latest innovation in food, drink and equipment under one roof. In one visit they can source new suppliers, get a feel for industry trends and try out new technology.

“By grouping together Fine Food, Hotel Australia and Fine Wine & Spirits we are giving retailers a show they cannot afford to miss. We expect buyers from all the major chains as well as independent stores looking for an edge.

Mr Collett added, “Given today’s highly competitive environment, you’ll definitely come away from Fine Food with an array of ideas and opportunities to improve your business and increase your sales and profitability”.

Fine Food is supported by many of the big names of the Australian food industry including Unilever, Cerebos, Steggles, Sunrice, Dairy Farmers, Kraft, Sanitarium and Nestle. These will be joined by some of the finest specialist producers with gourmet products such as spices, snacks, chocolates, sauces, cheeses and more.

The business information aspect has always been a key component to the success of Fine Food. Free business seminars will run in a specially constructed theatre on the show floor each day.

The program kicks off with Monday’s Hospitality seminars, specifically designed to boost the profitability of restaurants, bars and clubs. Appropriately it will include a back of house tour of the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.

Convenience store seminars run on Tuesday and Wednesday. They will feature international speakers including Angus Oughtred (UK), Andrew and Stephen Jempson (UK) Bill Douglass (USA) as well as local speakers from Cerebos and George Weston.

Convenience is a strong part of the show. Fine Food is in the only show recognised and supported by the Australasian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS). The Convenience World section within the show features impulse lines and retail technology.

Fine Food Australia and Hotel Australia will be staged at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre from Monday 6 September to Thursday 9 September 2004. Open hours are Monday 10am – 6pm, Tuesday 12pm – 9pm (late night), Wednesday and Thursday 10am – 5pm.

These are trade only events. Entry is restricted to persons working in the food or hospitality industry. Persons not in these categories including children will not be admitted. Visitors can obtain further details, a full seminar program and register at www.finefoodexpo.com.au