EDB-led initiative will present Sri Lankan food, beverage, packaging and hospitality products to trade buyers from 31 August to 3 September
Sri Lanka is preparing to establish its first dedicated pavilion at Fine Food Australia 2026, creating a new platform for the country’s food and beverage sector at one of Australia’s leading industry exhibitions.
The exhibition will take place from Monday, 31 August to Thursday, 3 September 2026 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). The Sri Lanka Pavilion is being organised by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Canberra and the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Melbourne.
Fine Food Australia brings together buyers, importers, distributors, retailers, chefs, restaurateurs, hospitality operators and suppliers. Unlike a public food festival, it is an exclusively trade-focused event intended for professionals working across the foodservice, hospitality and retail industries.
A First for Sri Lanka at Fine Food Australia
The pavilion will mark the first time the EDB has organised a dedicated Sri Lanka Pavilion at Fine Food Australia.
Its purpose is to give Sri Lankan exporters and export-ready businesses a focused setting in which to present their products, meet potential buyers and explore commercial relationships in Australia and the wider Asia-Pacific market.
The initiative also places Sri Lankan products within a broader international exhibition environment where businesses can observe industry trends, packaging developments, buyer expectations and competing products from other markets.
First Sri Lanka Pavilion
Four days connecting Sri Lankan export capability with Australia’s food, hospitality and retail trade.
Products Positioned for International Buyers
According to the EDB, the pavilion is designed to represent a broad cross-section of Sri Lanka’s food, beverage and related supply sectors.
Products and services identified for the initiative include:
- Canned, preserved, dehydrated and processed fruits and vegetables
- Value-added spices, coconut-based products and edible oils
- Chilled, fresh and frozen fishery and dairy products
- Specialty foods, sweets, snacks, bakery products and confectionery
- Grains, cereals and sauces
- Tea and other beverages
- Organic and health-focused foods
- Food-packaging solutions
- Hospitality equipment
This range reflects more than agricultural production alone. It also highlights opportunities in value-added processing, product presentation, packaging and hospitality supply—areas that can influence how successfully Sri Lankan products compete in established export markets.
A Business Event for the Food and Hospitality Trade
Fine Food Australia is exclusively for verified professionals working in foodservice, hospitality and retail.
Why the Melbourne Platform Matters
Australia offers a sophisticated and competitive food market shaped by multicultural consumer demand, established quality standards and extensive retail and hospitality networks.
For Sri Lankan businesses, participation can provide direct exposure to professionals involved in sourcing, importing, distribution and foodservice. It can also help exporters better understand practical market requirements, including product positioning, packaging, consistency, compliance and reliable supply.
However, exhibition participation alone does not guarantee export orders. The commercial value of the pavilion will depend on the readiness of participating companies, the relevance of their products, the quality of buyer meetings and their ability to follow up after the event.
Four Days of Trade Access in Melbourne
Fine Food Australia states that its 2026 exhibition will feature more than 900 exhibitors across 10 product zones. The programme will also include education sessions, industry discussions, live demonstrations, competitions and networking activities.
The official opening hours are:
- Monday, 31 August: 10.00 am–5.00 pm
- Tuesday, 1 September: 10.00 am–5.00 pm
- Wednesday, 2 September: 10.00 am–5.00 pm
- Thursday, 3 September: 10.00 am–3.00 pm
The venue is the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf, Victoria.
Visitor registration is free until 30 August 2026. The organiser advises that registrations made from 31 August will attract a fee of AUD 45 plus GST. Attendees should confirm the latest conditions through the official Fine Food Australia registration page before travelling.
The SLD Perspective
The first Sri Lanka Pavilion at Fine Food Australia is a timely opportunity to place the country’s food, beverage and related export capabilities before professional Australian and international buyers.
Its longer-term significance should be measured not only by the visibility achieved during the four-day exhibition, but also by the buyer relationships, market knowledge and sustainable commercial connections developed afterwards.
Sri Lanka Directory welcomes initiatives that create credible pathways for Sri Lankan businesses to engage with international markets. Strong preparation, verified product quality and consistent post-event follow-up will be essential if this first pavilion is to become the beginning of a lasting Sri Lankan presence at the exhibition.
