AIFST26 and foodpro 2026 bring science and industry together

AIFST26, the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology’s flagship annual convention, will take place on Monday, 27 and Tuesday, 28 July 2026 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC), running concurrently with foodpro 2026.

The co-location of AIFST26 with foodpro 2026 will bring food science and technology professionals, researchers, regulators, manufacturers, students and industry leaders together with Australia’s broader food manufacturing, processing and packaging community.

Together, the events will create an expanded platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration and connection across the full food and beverage value chain — from research, regulation, product development and food safety through to manufacturing, processing, packaging, technology and commercial application.

With the theme ‘Grow, Learn, Connect and Champion’, AIFST26 is designed to spark new thinking, strengthen collaboration and drive meaningful conversations about building a more sustainable, resilient and inclusive food system.

Across two days of plenary and concurrent sessions, the convention will feature more than 50 speakers from across the agrifood sector. Key focus areas will include food safety, advances in health and nutrition, sensory and consumer science, food security and resilience, advanced processing, education, food policy and regulation, innovation and sustainability.

AIFST is proud to welcome Tom Black from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to open this year’s convention, reflecting the importance of food science and technology in supporting Australia’s agrifood capability, resilience and future growth.

The program will feature the prestigious JR Vickery Address, to be delivered by Professor Ling Zhi Cheong, Professor in Food Science and Assistant Dean (Enterprise and Innovation) at University of Melbourne, looking at the future of food through a traditional and innovative lens. The broader keynote program will also cover nutrition, innovation, food safety, sustainability and AI.

AIFST CEO Fiona Fleming said AIFST26 provides an essential platform for the food science and technology community to connect, learn and contribute to the future of the sector.

“AIFST26 brings together the people, science and ideas helping shape the future of food. The Convention is an important opportunity to explore the latest developments across the agrifood science community, share expertise, strengthen collaboration and champion the role our profession plays in building a safe, sustainable and innovative food future,” Fleming said.

AIFST26 attendees can expect a comprehensive technical program, expert speakers, panel discussions, networking opportunities and access to the broader foodpro exhibition environment.

Key benefits of attending AIFST26 include:

• staying up to date with the latest trends, research and innovations
• opportunities to collaborate across academia, research and industry
• deeper understanding of emerging industry trends and market shifts
• networking with sector leaders and like-minded professionals
• Continuing Professional Development points for AIFST members

For more information, visit www.aifst.asn.au/AIFST-2026.

Image: Supplied