MEDIA RELEASE: UNVEILING THE CHAMPIONS OF CHANGE – 2024 NATIONAL FOOD WASTE SUMMIT SPEAKER LINEUP REVEALED

The countdown is on for the highly anticipated 2024 National Food Waste Summit, scheduled to take place in Melbourne on July 24th and 25th. Promising to be a pivotal event in the fight against food waste, this year’s summit boasts an impressive lineup of international speakers and Australian experts, all united in their dedication to addressing one of the most critical environmental challenges of our time.

Leading the charge is Craig Reucassel, the dynamic host of ABC’s War on Waste. Recognised for his ability to galvanise nationwide action, Reucassel will set the tone for the summit with a keynote address focused on mobilising consumers to reduce food waste. Steven Lapidge, CEO of End Food Waste Australia commented, “Craig Reucassel’s presence underscores our commitment to igniting awareness and driving meaningful change. His insights will inspire attendees to take action in their own communities.”

Joining Reucassel are a diverse array of international speakers, including Dana Gunders, Executive Director of ReFED in the US, Jolanda Dings, Director of Sustainability at Lamb Weston EMEA in the Netherlands, and Kaitlin Dawson, Executive Director of NZ Champions 12.3 in New Zealand. Lapidge added, “The inclusion of such esteemed global leaders underscores the Summit’s commitment to fostering international collaboration and sharing best practices in the fight against food waste.”

Dr. Lisa Johnson, an on-farm food waste measurement expert from the US, and Toine Timmermans, Director at Food Waste Free United in the Netherlands, will also share their expertise, offering invaluable insights into global solutions for food waste reduction. Lapidge said, “The contributions of Dr. Johnson and Mr. Timmermans highlight the Summit’s dedication to showcasing innovative approaches and strategies from around the world.”

In addition to international perspectives, the Summit will feature prominent Australian experts from across the food loss and waste sector. Attendees can expect to gain insights into various aspects of the food supply chain, from measurement and regulation to consumer behavior and packaging innovations. Lapidge emphasised, “The participation of Australian experts underscores our commitment to addressing food waste challenges at a national level and driving tangible outcomes.”

Guiding participants through this year’s Summit will be Costa Georgiadis, host of ABC’s Gardening Australia, serving as the Master of Ceremonies. Lapidge stated, “Costa Georgiadis’s passion for sustainability aligns perfectly with the Summit’s objectives. His presence will ensure that the event remains engaging and impactful throughout.”

The 2024 National Food Waste Summit promises to be a must-attend event for industry leaders and organisations committed to creating a more productive, sustainable and resilient Australian food system by ending food waste and food insecurity. Lapidge concluded, “We invite organisations striving to achieve ESG goals and drive positive change to join us in Melbourne for two days of inspiration, collaboration, and actionable insights.”

For more information and to register for the summit, visit www.foodwastesummit.com.au

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24 – 25 July 2024 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

Back for the third time, this year’s National Food Waste Summit and Trade Show will again bring together delegates and exhibitors from across the food industry, government, NGO and research sectors as we work to create a more productive, sustainable and resilient Australian food system by ending food waste and food insecurity. The National Food Waste Summit and Trade Show is a milestone event in Australia’s journey to halve its food waste by 2030. Leading international and national experts will join attendees from across industry, research and government to explore the collaborative planning, strategy and action required to meet this country’s challenging – but achievable – food waste reduction goal. www.foodwastesummit.com.au