foodpro 2026: meet the innovators transforming food manufacturing

Every three years, Australia’s food and beverage manufacturing industry stops and takes stock of where it’s headed. In July 2026, that moment arrives again.

When foodpro opens its doors at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 26–29 July, it will do so as the undisputed centrepiece of the Australian food and beverage manufacturing calendar and the most ambitious edition in its 50-year history.

Across 30,000 square metres of world-class exhibition space, more than 400 exhibitors will converge to address the pressures, possibilities and pivotal decisions facing Australian manufacturers right now: rising input costs, workforce constraints, sustainability mandates and the accelerating shift toward intelligent, connected production environments.

Over four days, the event will bring together more than 9,000 industry professionals; engineers, procurement leads, operations directors, C-suite executives and technical specialists in a format built for serious business. Expect world-leading processing equipment and packaging systems, next-generation ingredients and digital factory solutions that are already reshaping how facilities operate at scale.

Free visitor registration is open now at foodproexpo.com/register

Global and local leaders on the show floor

The foodpro 2026 exhibitor lineup brings together an impressive cross-section of the industry, from global equipment manufacturers to specialist Australian suppliers. Among the confirmed exhibitors are some of the biggest names in food processing and packaging.

Multivac, a global leader in packaging solutions, will showcase its latest systems designed to help manufacturers extend shelf life, reduce material usage and improve packaging line efficiency. Attendees can also discover Ulma Packaging who will present its range of flow wrapping, thermoforming and shrink-wrapping technologies built for high-speed, high-volume food production environments.

On the processing side, Vemag will bring its precision portioning and filling systems to the show floor, equipment trusted by meat, bakery and ready-made meal producers worldwide for consistent output and reduced giveaway. Viking Food Solutions will demonstrate its range of slicing, dicing and portioning equipment, offering manufacturers the chance to see the machinery in action and discuss solutions tailored to their specific production lines.

Poultry and protein processors will find a strong presence at foodpro this year, with Linco Food Systems exhibiting their processing solutions for the poultry industry. From evisceration to deboning and portioning, Linco’s systems are designed to maximise yield while maintaining the highest food safety standards.

For manufacturers focused on flavour, formulation and product differentiation, Hela Spice will be showcasing their range of seasonings, marinades, sauces and functional ingredients. With growing consumer demand for bold flavours and clean-label products, Hela’s presence at foodpro gives R&D and product development teams direct access to ingredient innovation.

These are just a handful of the 400+ exhibitors confirmed for foodpro 2026. Across the show floor, visitors will find solutions spanning processing equipment, packaging materials and machinery, food science and technology, ingredients and additives, beverage equipment, factory infrastructure, digital and automation technologies and business services.

Built for business, designed for impact

Beyond the exhibition, foodpro offers a program of features designed to maximise value for visitors. The Innovation Stage will host live presentations from industry leaders and technology pioneers, delivering practical insights on automation, sustainability and emerging food manufacturing trends.

The Business Lounge provides a dedicated space for scheduling supplier meetings and turning show floor conversations into commercial outcomes, while the Industry Hub brings together key associations and media partners including the Australian Institute of Food Science & Technology (AIFST), Australian Food & Grocery Council (AFGC) and Australian Chicken Meat Federation (ACMF), to name a few.

foodpro’s partnership with the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST) will see the AIFST26 conference run concurrently on 27–28 July, connecting food scientists and researchers with the broader manufacturing community. The Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP) returns as Association Partner, hosting packaging training sessions and the prestigious PIDA Awards Gala Dinner on 28 July, celebrating the region’s most innovative packaging designs.

The Industry Connect Evening on opening night offers a relaxed setting for drinks, canapés and meaningful conversations with exhibitors and industry peers along the Yarra. The perfect extension of the first day of foodpro — deepen relationships, forge new connections and set the stage for the days ahead on the show floor. Early bird tickets are currently available for a limited time at $119 + GST (saving $30 off full price at $149 + GST).

Your next move starts here

Whether you’re a plant manager evaluating processing upgrades, a packaging specialist exploring sustainable materials, an R&D lead sourcing breakthrough ingredients, a sustainability manager working toward ESG targets or an operations director looking to future-proof your production line — foodpro 2026 is where you’ll find the people, products and ideas to move your business forward. Four days. One venue. The entire food manufacturing value chain under one roof.

The industry is gathering. The innovators are ready. The only question is whether you’ll be in the room. Register free today.

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Free visitor registration is now open at www.foodproexpo.com/register

Exhibitor applications are open, with spaces filling fast. To learn more about exhibiting at foodpro 2026, visit www.foodproexpo.com/exhibit