Celebrating the 2026 NAFDA Conference
The 2026 NAFDA Best of the Best Conference brought our member and supplier community together on the Gold Coast for an outstanding few days of connection, industry insight and business opportunity.
From a record-breaking Buy Show and engaging plenary session to a vibrant Member & Supplier Mixer, the conference showcased the strength of the NAFDA network. It was also an opportunity to celebrate the members and suppliers whose achievements and commitment continue to drive our industry forward.
Our most successful Buy Show yet
With 79 Preferred Suppliers exhibiting, including some of our newest supplier partners from New Zealand, the 2026 NAFDA Buy Show delivered our strongest results ever in both financial performance and member engagement.
The show floor buzzed with energy as members explored an outstanding range of products, discovered fresh ideas and connected with suppliers to discuss opportunities for business growth.
The event demonstrated the value of bringing our network together. Members and suppliers had the opportunity to build relationships, explore new products and identify ways to grow their businesses together.
A popular feature was the Simplot Food Truck in Simplot Square, bringing great food and inspiration to the conference experience. It offered a taste of what is possible when innovative products meet creative foodservice solutions.
Bringing people, products and ideas together
The Member & Supplier Mixer at RACV Royal Pines Resort was another conference highlight, welcoming 420 guests for an evening of conversation and connection.
The mixer gave members and supplier partners valuable time to reconnect, strengthen relationships and explore new opportunities in a relaxed setting.
Simplot Square proudly showcased our Visionary Sponsor, Simplot, through on-trend recipes, innovative ingredient applications and associated selling opportunities. It demonstrated how the right ingredients and fresh ideas can inspire new menu possibilities and create commercial opportunities for foodservice operators.
Experiences like these reflect the value of NAFDA’s supplier partnerships: bringing people, products and ideas together to deliver meaningful benefits for our members.
Insights to take back to business
Our plenary session brought together an outstanding line-up of speakers and industry leaders to explore the issues, opportunities and changes shaping foodservice.
Thought-provoking perspectives and practical insights gave members and suppliers plenty to consider and take back to their businesses, while encouraging important conversations about the future of our industry.
The value of the conference extended well beyond the stage. Conversations between sessions, shared experiences and new introductions all contributed to stronger relationships across the NAFDA community.
Celebrating excellence across our network
The conference also provided an opportunity to recognise outstanding performance across our member and supplier network.
Congratulations to United Food Service, our Member of the Year, and Bega Foodservice, our Supplier of the Year, along with all our award recipients.
Member awards
| Award | Recipient |
| Member of the Year | United Food Service |
| Central North | Godden Foods Group |
| Central West | New West Foods |
| South | United Food Service |
| NSW | City Fine Foods |
| Robert Carruthers Rising Star Award | Simotas Food Distributors |
Supplier awards
| Award | Recipient |
| Supplier of the Year | Bega Foodservice |
| Supplier of the Year — Over $5m, Gold | Bega Foodservice |
| Supplier of the Year — Over $5m, Silver | Simplot Australia |
| Supplier of the Year — Over $5m, Bronze | Goodman Fielder |
| Supplier of the Year — Under $5m, Gold | Hakka |
| Supplier of the Year — Under $5m, Silver | Everest Ice Cream |
| Supplier of the Year — Under $5m, Bronze | Patties Food Group |
| Robert Carruthers Rising Star Award | Markwell Foods Australia |
| Tom Colless Chairman’s Award | Inghams Group Limited / Mars Food & Nutrition Australia |
| Barry Gibson Award | The Team at Tibaldi Australia |
Thank you to every award recipient for your contribution to the NAFDA network and the foodservice industry.
Building on the momentum
The success of the 2026 conference reflects the enthusiasm, participation and commitment of our members, suppliers, speakers and sponsors.
A special thank you to Simplot, our Visionary Sponsor, and to all our supplier partners for their continued support. Thank you also to everyone who contributed to making this year’s conference such a success.
Next stop is Sydney in April 2027, where our next Buy Show will bring together suppliers participating in NAFDA’s Best of the Best program. We look forward to another opportunity to connect, discover new products and build on the momentum created on the Gold Coast.