23rd May 2025

Inaugural Food & Hospitality Week unites industry in Melbourne

Australia’s foodservice and hospitality industry came together at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre last week for the inaugural Food & Hospitality Week.

This one-of-a-kind event combined four major shows under one roof: Foodservice Australia, and three brand-new shows the Pizza Pasta & Italian Food Show, the Commercial Kitchen Show and the Restaurant Technology Show.

With over 350 exhibitors and 50 exclusive keynote sessions led by industry trailblazers, the event was an unforgettable showcase of innovation across the sector. Attendees enjoyed an unforgettable party at ‘Industry’s Big Night Out’ with live entertainment from Sneaky Sound System.

Mike Hill, Event Director, says “this was our first year delivering Food & Hospitality Week under National Media and we’re proud to have brought together four dynamic shows in one place. It was designed to give every sector of the industry a focused, tailored experience. Thank you to our exhibitors, speakers and sponsors for making it such a milestone event.”

Attendees enjoyed an array of thrilling live demonstrations and insightful sessions across six stages and areas including the Main Stage, Business Stage, Restaurant Technology & Hospitality Exchange, Discover the Source, Bar and Beverage, Explore Patisserie Stage.

Highlights included the inaugural Australia’s Best Pizza and Australia’s Best Burger competitions, alongside Australian Professional Chef of the Year and the Australian Culinary Federation Restaurant Challenge.

Exclusive panels featured some of the country’s top industry voices, Kerri Wane (CEO of Schnitz), Samantha Bragg (CEO of Red Rooster), Shane Bracken (Managing Director of Subway ANZ), Carlos Antonius (CEO of Chatime) and Lawrenece Pelletier (Sales and Marketing Director of Redcat) who shared candid insights on navigating an increasingly competitive market.

The Discover the Source Stage brought hospitality professionals closer to Australian producers, covering all things from sustainability, food styling, emerging trends and innovative collaborations.

Coffs Harbour chef Richmond Rodrigues was crowned Australian Professional Chef of the Year Award, impressing judges with his creative and thoughtful approach. Richmond, who first entered the competition in 2012, finally claimed the top prize this year. The judging panel included John McFadden, Beth Candy, Jerry Mai, Mark Normoyle, Markus Werner.

The inaugural Australia’s Best Pizza Award and Australia’s Best Burger Award drew fierce competition from 45 elite pizza makers and 15 top burger chefs. Broadbeach chef Emanuele Malara won both ‘Best Classic Pizza’ and best overall ‘Pizza Chef of the Year’ and Nicola Pellegrino from Ollie’s Italian took home ‘Best Creative Pizza’. Jonathon Donovan from CBCo brewing in Port Melbourne was crowned ‘National Burger Winner.’

Australia’s Best Pizza Award Winners:

Pizza Chef of the Year: Emanuele Malara from Ciccio’s Pizza and Gelato
Best Classic Pizza: Emanuele Malara from Ciccio’s Pizza and Gelato
Best Creative Pizza: Nicola Pellegrino from Ollie’s Italian
Sponsors: Caboolture, Euroquip, Stagioni, Marana Australia, Perfect Italiano, San Pellegrino

Australia’s Best Burger Award Winners:

National Burger Winner: Jonathon Donovan from CBCo Brewing Port Melbourne Brewery and Tap Room
Best Signature Burger: Tie between Ben Niumata from Grubbies Burgers & Hawaiian BBQ and Stuart Walsh from The Shearing Shed – Phillip Island
Best Technical Burger: Matt McKee from Hashtag Burgers and Waffles
Sponsors: Australian Avocados, Brioche Gourmet, Dairy Farmers, Lamb Weston and Wood’s

Australian Professional Chef of the Year

Winner: Richmond Rodrigues, Executive Chef at Aanuka Beach House in Coffs Harbour
Finalists: Grant Parry from The Star Gold Coast, Antoine Potier from Restaurant dan arnold and Sam Smith from The Growers by Ponte
Sponsors: Bidfood, Cookers, Frutex, Robot Coupe, UNOX, Western Star, ALSCO Uniforms