A sensory perception journey, a celebration of the next generation of confectioners and a new segment showcasing slick ‘elevator pitches’ made ConTech2025 this week in Melbourne one of the best.
More than 200 professionals from the confectionery and wider food industry attended the full-day conference at the MCG on Tuesday to network, explore new and exciting products and services and hear from a stellar line-up of presenters.
Tim Piper, Head of Victoria and Head of the Confectionery Sector at the Australian Industry Group, welcomed delegates before introducing Jules Green, whose keynote address explored the effect of macro-economic forces on confectionery shoppers.
Natalie Thomas, of Mondelez International, followed, sharing fascinating insights into snacking habits.
She revealed that when it comes to snacks, consumers:
Rounding off the morning session was Theo Foukkare, of the Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS), who provided an update and shared trends affecting his industry.
Following a short break for delegates to network and chat to exhibitors, Mars Wrigley’s Nick Kantzas, part of the Ai Group Confectionery Sector Technical Committee (pictured with Ai Group's Tim Piper and Jennifer Thompson and Theo Foukkare) opened the second session exploring regulations and compliance.
Delegates heard from Food Standards Australia New Zealand, Ai Group’s WHS Consulting Services, Manufacturing Industry Skills Council and Australian Council of Recycling.
A highlight was the presentation of the Sollich Award, which this year went to Sara Tippawan.
The annual prize is presented at ConTech every year to the best student in practical confectionery subjects at William Angliss Institute of TAFE in Melbourne.
Martin Crumpton, of Allied Industries which represents German company SOLLICH in Australia, presented Sara with a perpetual shield and cash prize.
He said teachers described Sara as an excellent student whose attendance and preparation for classes were exemplary.
Delegates were treated to a sensory perception journey in the afternoon, with Edouard Bernet, of Prova (France), providing samples of vanillas from around the world to smell and taste.
It was also a pleasure to hear from Kasper Stranddorf, of Palsgaard (Denmark), who spoke about the impact of emulsifiers in chocolate.
Walter Meyler, of Automation Innovation, and Darryl Kaufmann, of Siemens, joined forces to explore emerging technologies.
Journalist Eli Greenblat, of The Australian, led a discussion about the issues and challenges facing the confectionery industry with panelists:
▪ Miranda Higgins, of Dollar Sweets;
▪ Shannon Wright, of Nestlé Australia and
▪ Katy Barfield OAM, of Yume Food Australia.
Ms Barfield also delivered a keynote address on "the power of a purpose-led business", sharing how Yume Food Australia, an online platform for surplus food management, works with industry to reduce food waste.
Four brave delegates took part in a new elevator pitch segment, accepting the 60-second challenge of presenting their best marketing spiel — on stage!
Guests embraced the theme of ‘a touch of confectionery’ at the networking dinner event, with candy jewellery, Freddo buttons and colourful nails on full display.
The fun continued with comedian Dave O’Neil as MC and after-dinner guest.
Mr Piper said ConTech2025 was one of the best.
“It’s an honour to bring the industry together like this,” he said.
“We couldn’t do it without the support of our sponsors including Principal Sponsor Manildra Group/Sunshine Sugar, trade exhibitors and everyone who comes along.
“Next year, we celebrate 30 years of ConTech. Event organisers Jennifer Thompson and Julie Gerrard will have a hard time pulling off a conference to top this year’s.”
Visit the Ai Group photo gallery for highlights of ConTech2025.
Engage with our ConTech2025 posts on LinkedIn.
Wendy Larter is Communications Manager at the Australian Industry Group. She has more than 20 years’ experience as a reporter, features writer, contributor and sub-editor for newspapers and magazines including The Courier-Mail in Brisbane and Metro, the News of the World, The Times and Elle in the UK.
