Move over MKR — the who’s who of food production, manufacturing and gastronomic entrepreneurialism converged upon Mingara Recreation Club today, as part of the Central Coast Food Innovation initiative, designed to position our region as a leading culinary innovator on the world stage.

Hosted by Regional Development Australia – Central Coast (RDACC) and Central Coast Industry Connect (CCIC), the Food Futures forum attracted industry leaders, prominent academics and the best business minds from all sectors of the food chain.

Featuring keynote speakers including John Mouland (CEO RDACC) and Professor Kevin Hall (Newcastle University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor – Research and Innovation), the event also formally recognised the newly established partnership between RDACC, CCIC and the University of Newcastle (UNEW) that will underpin the creation of the Central Coast as an internationally renowned centre for excellence in food and agricultural innovation.

RDACC Chairman, Mr Phil Walker, said the forum brought together a coveted panel of industry leaders, government sector experts, research specialists and innovation practitioners to assist in positioning the Central Coast as a leading food destination through collaborative industry and community partnerships.

“The Food Innovation Initiative is about leveraging our region’s existing strengths and realising economic benefit through growing and shaping our local food industry,” said Mr Walker.
“The Food Futures forum was a pivotal step in achieving this aim – bringing together the key players and leading the discussion about what the future looks for the Central Coast as a coveted food innovation region.”

CCIC Executive Officer, Mr Frank Sammut, said the event was successful in connecting food industry professionals with world class academia. “One of the strategic aims of the Food Innovation Initiative is to develop mutually beneficial research partnerships between the university, producers, manufacturers and suppliers within our local food industry,” said Mr Sammut.

“By providing such a forum for connection and collaboration, Food Futures is supporting the objective to grow the Central Coast’s capabilities and reputation as a world-class food producer and manufacturer.”

Following the success of today’s event, further forums are planned to continue the discussion and progression of the Central’s Coast’s food future.