There are still places available for food producers from across the Mid North Coast region to showcase their delectable delights at the very first FoodCon 2017 on November 13.
The FoodCon programme is the result of feedback from local food producers and businesses from the newly-formed Coffs Coast Food Collective and previous participants at Food Forum events.
“Connection is the theme for the inaugural event and the expert presentations and activities on the day will all be about creating and enhancing the connections between local farmers, growers and fishermen, producers, food businesses, retailers, restaurants, chefs and consumers,” said Stephen Saunders, Coffs Harbour City Council’s Section Leader, Industry & Development.
In addition to the education and networking that has proved popular at previous events, FoodCon will also allow plenty of time for attendees to learn more about food tourism, social media and digital storytelling.
But most importantly, it will give Coffs Coast producers the chance to offer tastings, background on their existing products and trial new products to the local food industry at the special FoodCon Showcase.
Andrew Mitchell, General Manager of Coffs Harbour Fishermen’s Coop, said: “This is your opportunity to present your best produce directly to local chefs, meet other local producers, and witness the special variety of our region.”
His words were echoed by Sapphire Beach farmer, Darren Smith: “FoodCon will be such an asset to our local foodie community, from the producers to the consumer alike. To be honest, we believe there has never been a better time to be a producer. Consumers are demanding a higher standard and they want to know their farmer and the back story of the producer. Our local restaurateurs are keen to experiment and source local, seasonal produce. The diversity of producers in the area would have to be at an all-time high!”
FoodCon 2017 will take place on Monday, November 13, at the Coffs Harbour Showground from 9am to 4.30pm. It will feature a relaxed lunch alongside the Showcase to highlight local produce, local wines and beverages.
For information about participating in the FoodCon Showcase, or to purchase tickets, visit the website http://www.foodcon.com.au/, or call Council on 02 6648 4834.
Pictured are: Darren Smith, owner of New Life Farm Sapphire, and Neville Mott, head chef at Bluebottles Brasserie, Woolgoolga.
