The successful post-COVID return of one of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular foodie festivals this year has ensured planning is underway for the 2023 program.
Event dates have been confirmed for The Curated Plate culinary festival.
The 10-day festival will take place from July 28 to August 6.
To get a jump start on next year’s event, two information sessions will be held on November 14 and 15 this year for local businesses and producers seeking to learn more about the festival and the benefits for industry and the community, as well as understand the opportunities available to link into the food tourism market.
Earlier this year, The Curated (side) Plate 2022 offered up a smaller serving of events, whetting the appetite of industry representatives and foodies for a major food tourism event.
The menu featured 91 events, hosted by 42 industry partners from the coast to the hinterland, demonstrating that regional businesses and producers are hungry for opportunities to thrive through changing times.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson said this year’s success was thanks to strong collaborations with industry partners.
“The positive results were thanks to our partnership with our local food producers, our venues including farms, breweries and boats, our tourism operators and the Food & Agribusiness Network, Visit Sunshine Coast and Tourism and Events Queensland,” he said.
“Winter is always a great time of year for the event to attract visitors and keep our tourism operators busy in the low season.
“Hosting an annual food celebration gives our region the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the wide range of quality food and beverages produced on the Sunshine Coast to a national audience, amidst the setting of our unique coastal and hinterland locations.”
State Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said The Curated Plate was building back better.
“It is terrific to see events like The Curated Plate going from strength to strength and showcasing Queensland’s great lifestyle,” he said.
“When visitors experience The Curated Plate’s tantalising flavours, they also support Sunshine Coast accommodation and tourism providers and Queensland jobs.
“That’s why the Palaszczuk Government is helping to keep The Curated Plate on the Sunshine Coast’s 2023 events menu through Tourism and Events Queensland’s Major Events Program.”
The Food & Agribusiness Network spokesperson Nicole McNaughton said FAN was delighted to work with the Sunshine Coast Council again as an industry partner for event in 2023.
“It will be a fantastic showcase of our region’s growers, makers, brewers, distillers and collaborative community,” Ms McNaughton said.
“Telling the Sunshine Coast’s food story is a strategic industry priority and The Curated Plate allows us to serve up some tasty tidbits, with the event a platform for industry partners to work together and reach new audiences.”
Businesses and food lovers can subscribe on the festival website for more information.
Information sessions will be held on November 14 from 3-5pm at The Dock in The Wharf, Mooloolaba, and on November 15 from 3-5pm at Brouhaha Restaurant & Brewery, Maleny.
