FoodTech Qld 2025 announces speaker line‍-‍up

Registration is now open for FoodTech Qld. Taking place on 19–20 June at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre, the FoodTech Qld conference aims to offer next-generation 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 Professor 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 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 start-ups and investment firms are driving breakthrough change. Speakers include Siobhan Coster (Eclipse Ingredients) and Philippe Ceulen (Mandalay Venture Partners).
   

Speakers and sessions featured across the two-day program include a mix of expert panels, keynote presentations and practical insights for the food manufacturing, processing and packaging industries.

The conference agenda and speaker list are available at www.foodtechqld.com.au.

Those interested in attending can register online to purchase a 1-day or 2-day conference ticket. First release Conference Program tickets for the 2-day pass are now available.

Tickets are available at: https://register.divcom.net.au/ftqld2025/registration/Site/Register.

Image credit: iStock.com/sbostock