FoodTech Qld 2025 announces conference speakers

With registration now open, FoodTech Qld has announced a preview of the thought leaders headlining its 2025 conference program. Taking place from 19–20 June at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre, the FoodTech Qld conference is designed to offer insights across food safety, packaging, processing, sustainability and food tech investment.

The conference will open with Professor Jason Stokes, from The University of Queensland and the Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA), presenting the keynote, ‘Shaping the Future of Food Manufacturing in Australia’. Drawing from over 25 years of research and experience, including a decade with Unilever, Stokes will discuss how emerging technologies like AI, precision fermentation and circular economy principles are transforming food manufacturing in response to consumer demand for healthier, more sustainable products.

Other featured sessions include:

• ‘Innovating for Food Safety: Tackling Emerging Risks’ — a panel presented by AIFST exploring the role of AI, blockchain and rapid detection tools in modern food safety. Speakers include Troy Gosetti (Neogen), Dr Uta Gasanov Booth (Hygenia) and Rob Sherlock (Safe Food Queensland).
• ‘The Future of Functional Foods’ — exploring advances in personalised nutrition, microbiome science and evolving regulations. Speakers include Lisa-Claire Ronquest-Ross (v2food), Stewart Eddie (ASKAFOODTECH) and Prof Jolieke van der Pols (University of Queensland).
• ‘Smart and Sustainable: Packaging Solutions for SMEs’ — presented by the Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP), this session will focus on practical sustainability strategies for small to medium-sized food businesses. Speakers include Dr Nicole Garafano (Planet Ark), Jean-François Roiron (Koor) and more.
• ‘Fuelling Food Tech Innovation: How Startups and Investors are Shaping the Future’ — highlighting how flexible startups and investment firms are driving breakthrough change. Speakers include Siobhan Coster (Eclipse Ingredients) and Philippe Ceulen (Mandalay Venture Partners).

These are just a few of the speakers and sessions featured across the two-day program, which includes a mix of expert panels, keynote presentations and practical insights for the food manufacturing, processing and packaging industries.

One- or two-day conference tickets are now available for purchase. To find out more, visit foodtechqld.com.au.