We’re well into the second half of 2025 and the energy across our network is electric. Our Grow National program is going brilliantly, with a special webinar this coming Tuesday introducing everyone across the Network to FaBA, and two amazing workshops just around the corner.
And – we’re almost there! Meet the Makers – Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry is just weeks away. With over 200 buyers and 500+ public already registered (and marketing about to ramp up), it’s shaping up to be a major moment for our industry. Still thinking about exhibiting? If the FOMO is kicking in, now’s your chance – what are you waiting for?
Warm regards,
Nicole
Nicole McNaughton
FAN CEO
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Meet the Makers/Queensland's Sunshine Pantry
Exhibitor Spots Closing Friday 11th July… get in quick!
Meet the Makers is back for 2025 and it’s shaping up to be our biggest one yet.
This is your chance to connect with buyers, showcase your products, and be part of the ultimate industry event that puts our regions’ food and beverage producers in the spotlight.
And this year, we’re turning up the dial. As part of The Curated Plate, Meet the Makers will roll straight into the Queensland Sunshine Pantry Twilight Market – welcoming food lovers and giving your brand even more visibility.
With nearly 200 buyers already locked in and over 500 members of the public registered (and marketing about to go full throttle), exhibitor spaces are filling fast.Â
If you haven’t registered yet… what are you waiting for?
Secure your spot now and make sure your brand is front and centre when the regions’ and the industry is watching! See you there!
Read more here.
Grow National: Ripe & Ready
Grow National 2025 – Workshop series – REGISTER NOW!
Ripe & Ready is FAN’s, in-person program designed for established food, beverage, and agribusinesses ready to scale. From streamlining production to preparing for export, this hands-on program gives you access to industry experts, tailored support, and powerful connections to help take your business to the next level.
Our next not-to-be-missedÂ
1. Artificial Intelligence in the Food & Beverage Sector – Scaling with Technology and Enhancing the Customer Experience – Discover how AI is transforming F&B and potentially your business, from smart production to customer experience, in this hands-on workshop with UQ and CSIRO experts. Suitable for those businesses starting out, along with those much further along in their journey.
2. Plain English Allergen Labelling – What You Need to Know – Undeclared allergens are the leading cause of food recalls in Australia. This practical, expert-led workshop will give you the tools and knowledge to comply with the new PEAL (Plain English Allergen Labelling) regulations. Learn how to identify allergen risks, manage cross-contamination, and get your labelling right – with real-world examples, hands-on exercises, and practical resources. Led by UQ Skills Educator and food technologist Mashhuda Carrigan.
Workshops are open to both FAN and non-FAN Members.
For more information see here and to register for workshops see here.
Grow National is proudly supported by Regional Development Moreton Bay Sunshine Coast, Turbine Sunshine Coast and funding from AgriFutures Australia and Westpac
Upcoming FaBA Webinar – Unlock Support for Your Next Big Idea
Want to get that new product, packaging innovation or process improvement off the ground? Find out how to access expert advice, research capability, and matched funding of up to $60,000 through Australia’s Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA).
You’ll also hear about upcoming training (including FAN’s 2025-2026 workshop series), FaBA’s soon-to-launch Market + Customer Data Dashboard, and other tools like the Growth Hub and UQ Makerspace.
This is your chance to tap into a national ecosystem driving innovation in food and beverage.
Webinar link will be shared the day prior. Session will be recorded. REGISTER for WEBINAR HERE
Grow National 2025 kicked off with an ESG workshop in partnership with Australia’s Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA). Participants gained practical tools to navigate sustainability reporting, carbon foot-printing and social impact – future-proofing their businesses while unlocking value and efficiencies. A powerful start to a program helping food and beverage businesses grow with purpose
Here’s a recap of the ESG workshop with Kym Cooper from East Forged.
Unlocking Leadership Potential in F&B Manufacturing. FAN hosted a leadership workshop with FaBA and UQ Skills’ Mashhuda Carrigan, exploring emotional intelligence, inclusive leadership, and coaching tools. Thanks to FaBA for supporting this session, helping build stronger teams and future-ready leaders in the food and beverage manufacturing sector.
Here’s a recap from Agnes Pennay from Fresh Meats Wises Road.
Cutting Costs, Creating Value Led by Dr Barry McGookin and the SRJ Walker Wayland Sunshine Coast team, this Grow National workshop gave Food & Beverage manufacturers practical tools and big-picture thinking to reduce costs, improve sustainability, and unlock value across operations, finance, logistics, and production.
FAN Events
Experiencing a touch of FAN FOMO?! Don’t miss these key events. Check out what’s happening and secure your spot.
Member Opportunities
We’ve made it easier to stay across what’s on offer. Our new Member Opportunities page brings together the latest EOIs, programs, events, and ways to get involved – curated especially for FAN members. Bookmark it and check back regularly to make the most of what’s happening across the network.
Upcoming Grants
Funding opportunities you need to know about – see what’s open and apply now..
Regional Food Directories
Get Listed on the Sunshine Coast Regional Food Directory
Are you a local grower, primary producer or food & beverage manufacturer? Don’t miss your chance to be featured in the Sunshine Coast Regional Food Directory—our go-to resource for sourcing local food. With The Curated Plate festival coming up, chef Peter Kuruvita is spotlighting local producers to industry using this directory. So now’s the perfect time to get listed or update your info.
Is your listing up-to-date?
Submit your listing for the Sunshine Coast Regional Food Directory here.
FAN Member Resources
Stay up to date with the latest insights and practical tools to support your business. Check out our recent webinars featuring industry experts and FAN partners—designed to help you grow, connect, and build a more resilient and inclusive business..
Webinar Replay: Is Your Food Business Ready for eCommerce?
In partnership with Presstwood Design, this session explores what it takes to launch your food business online with confidence. From choosing the right platform and integrating POS to navigating food-specific logistics, this webinar is packed with practical insights to help you sell smarter online.
Unlocking AgTech Growth Through CollaborationÂ
In this Cluster Connect webinar, we dive into how digital platforms are transforming the AgTech landscape. Hear from Annabel Rodgers (GrowAG) and Meg Lovelace (AusAgriTech) as they explore the barriers to AgTech success – from funding and access to producers, to scaling solutions – and how their ecosystems are helping innovators, investors, and producers connect for impact.
Brought to you by Cluster Connect, the Industry Growth Program partner for the food, beverage, and agribusiness sector. Learn more: foodagribusiness.org.au/
Looking for more webinars, tools, templates and tips to support your business journey? FAN Connect and Commercial Members can access the full FAN Resource Centre via our member platform, WAVE.
FAN Member News
Inside the Network: Member Stories Making Waves – We love celebrating our members! Here’s what some of you have been up to lately. If you’ve got news to share – or if we’ve missed something – please let us know so we can give you a shout-out next time.
SlabGod takes out Best in Show at Nambour Show!
A huge congrats to FAN member Slab God, whose cider and beer wowed the crowd at the 2025 Nambour Show. Founder Dearne Downes said the response was incredible – even converting non-cider drinkers! SlabGod was awarded Best in Show Exhibitor by unanimous vote. What a result!
Heart Therapeutics brews up gold!
A big cheers to FAN member Heart Therapeutics, who took home gold at the 2025 Royal Tasmanian Fine Food Awards! Their Rise and Shine and Hinterland Bush Tea were awarded purely on flavour – a huge testament to the craft behind every cup. Well deserved!
Beachtree Distilling Co named World’s Best Sustainable Distillery! A massive congratulations to the team, who’ve just been named World’s Best Craft Producer and World’s Best Sustainable Distillery. From gold medals in vodka and gin to building a solar-powered, organic distillery that’s planted over 25,000 trees – Beachtree proves that purpose and excellence go hand in hand.
Our Supporters
Don’t forget — there’s almost $4,000 worth of exclusive offers waiting for you! Thanks to our incredible FAN Partners and Commercial Members, you can access a wide range of member-only deals designed to support and grow your business. Head to our Member Deals & Offers page to see what’s available to you.