AIP joins foodpro 2026 as Association Partner and the PIDA Awards Gala Dinner moves to Melbourne
foodpro, Australia’s leading trade event for food processing, packaging and innovation, has announced a major new partnership with the Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP) — giving the industry even more reasons to gather in Melbourne from 26–29 July 2026.
Over four dynamic days, foodpro 2026 will bring together the full spectrum of food manufacturing and packaging with more than 400 exhibitors, cutting-edge displays, and hands-on learning opportunities for attendees. Including the chance to take part in AIP-led mini training courses and forums, covering key topics in food packaging innovations, sustainable packaging design and regulations, food waste and the intersection with packaging and more.
The AIP will also be hosting exclusive industry networking events and showcasing the finalists and winners of the 2026 Packaging Innovation & Design Awards (PIDA) across the four days of foodpro.
Nerida Kelton FAIP, Executive Director of the AIP, shared:
“foodpro is an important tradeshow for the food and beverage industries and we are very proud to be an Association Partner of the show.
The AIP is also delighted to announce that, for the first time, we will be hosting the 2026 Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design (PIDA) Awards Gala Dinner on Tuesday, 28 July, alongside foodpro.
The PIDA Awards program celebrates Australia and New Zealand’s most innovative packaging solutions and is the exclusive entry point for the WorldStar Packaging Awards. This prestigious awards night brings together the best-of-the-best to be recognised for their leading-edge designs.
The entire industry is invited to attend the 2026 PIDA Awards. Having the awards night aligned with foodpro is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the food and beverage finalists and winners in a dedicated space at the show, so everyone can see which packs took home a PIDA award.”
Louise Brooks, Event Director of foodpro, added:
“We’re incredibly proud to welcome the AIP as an official Association Partner for foodpro 2026 — a partnership that reflects our shared commitment to driving innovation, excellence, and collaboration across the entire food manufacturing and packaging supply chain.
The addition of the PIDA Awards Gala Dinner to the foodpro program is a true milestone for the event. It not only celebrates the most ground-breaking packaging designs from Australia and New Zealand but also brings the industry’s brightest minds together under one roof.
This is more than a trade show — it’s where the future of food and packaging comes to life. From education and training to world-class innovation and networking, foodpro 2026 will be an unmissable experience for anyone serious about shaping what’s next in food manufacturing and processing.”
foodpro returns to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 26–29 July 2026, celebrating over 50 years of connecting and inspiring Australia’s food manufacturing and processing community. Visitor registration will open soon at www.foodproexpo.com
The PIDA Awards Gala Dinner will be held at The Crown Aviary on the 28th of July with tickets available through the AIP.
For media enquiries, interviews or images, please contact: Brittney Smith, [email protected]
About foodpro:
The manufacturing sector is vitally important for our economic future, with food and beverage processing being Australia’s largest manufacturing industry. foodpro connects professionals across the food and beverage value chain seeking cutting-edge solutions in processing, packaging, beverage equipment, digital technologies, logistics, and sustainability to drive efficiency, compliance, and growth.
For more information, please visit the foodpro website.
About Diversified Australia:
Diversified Australia has 40 years of experience delivering high-impact trade shows and conferences. As part of a global network, we connect professionals across industries including energy, environment, food, security, and technology.