Auckland to host Food Science and Technology Congress

Auckland wins bid to host major international Food Science and Technology Congress in 2020

New Zealand’s knowledgeable food industry network and Auckland’s strong business event offering have helped secure the International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST) 20th World Congress of Food Science and Technology for Auckland.

The Congress will be held at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in 2020, with the theme ‘20/20 Vision: Food for a changing world’.

Auckland Convention Bureau (ACB) – a division of Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development (ATEED) – with support from Tourism New Zealand, worked with the New Zealand Institute of Food Science and Technology (NZIFST).

IUFoST supports programmes and projects to increase the safety and security of the world’s food supply. The 2020 event will take place over five days, bringing together 2,000 of the brightest minds in food science, research and innovation from more than 60 countries, and contributing an estimated $4.25 million to the Auckland economy.

Anne Scott, NZIFST President, says the hosting body had wanted to bid to host this event for some time but had not had the resources to do it previously.

“We were very excited when Tourism New Zealand and ACB came forward and said they could provide funding through the Conference Assistance Programme to fund the bid. Without their support we would never had bid,” she says.

“We are looking forward to showing off New Zealand’s cutting-edge research in the food industry, what’s putting us on the technology map, how we are taking the resources of NZ and making great food, and how that is supporting our economy.”

ACB Manager Anna Hayward says it’s great to see Auckland securing another conference for the NZICC and Auckland.

“With almost half of New Zealand’s exports in food, mixed with a long proud history in food technology, food science and food engineering, along with Auckland’s appeal as a destination meant we had the right combination to win the bid,” she says.

“The food and beverage sector, in particular the food processing sector, is a key economic driver for Auckland. We look forward to the opportunities hosting such a prestigious conference will bring to further enhance this valuable sector.

“Auckland’s really starting to strongly compete internationally thanks to continued investment in new infrastructure, accommodation and exciting tourism experiences.”

Callum Mallett, General Manager Operations at NZICC is thrilled to see a Congress of this calibre secured for New Zealand. “We are looking forward to welcoming the IUFoST Congress and their delegates to the NZICC. Having leading food scientists and innovators from around the world at the NZICC will provide us with a great opportunity to showcase New Zealand’s unique culinary quality and variety that we as a conference centre hope to set new standards in.”

Lisa Gardiner, Manager Business Events and Premium at Tourism New Zealand says: “Conferences like this contribute millions to the economy every year and allow New Zealand the opportunity to showcase our world class event offering.

“It also highlights the vast range of expertise New Zealand can share with the world, in this case food science and technology.

“Targeting the international business events sector is an important part of Tourism New Zealand’s strategy to grow the value of international visitors to New Zealand. Business events delegates have the potential to help spread visitors across the off-peak season, support employment and bring significant economic benefit to the country.”

Auckland Convention Bureau markets Auckland as a destination for meetings, incentives, conventions and events. Find out more at aucklandnz.com/meet or email conventions@aucklandnz.com.

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