That’s a wrap: AMPC Innovation Showcase
The Australian Meat Processor Corporation’s (AMPC) Innovation Showcase in Brisbane this month highlighted the scale of innovation underway across the red meat processing industry.
Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Adam Fennessy, delivered an inspiring welcome address, highlighting the positive outlook for the red meat sector. Queensland Minister for Primary Industries, Tony Perrett, was also in attendance, actively engaging with processors, research providers and industry.
Keynote presentations offering international and local perspectives on the role of creativity, automation and digital technologies in driving continuous improvement, with Niels Duedahl from Danish Crown highlighting the link between implementation and value realisation.
Attendees explored more than 50 exhibitor displays showcasing robotics, exoskeletons, water reuse systems and new approaches to digital traceability.
Workshops with CSIRO and other research partners provided delegates with the opportunity to explore how AMPC-supported R&D can be applied in practice. There were numerous demonstrations across the exhibition floor, allowing participants to see systems in operation and discuss their adoption directly with providers.
The day concluded with a networking event sponsored by Impetus Animal Welfare, where processors, research providers and solution suppliers exchanged ideas and discussed collaboration opportunities.
AMPC CEO Edwina Toohey said, “What stood out on day one was the way members engaged directly with new technologies, asking the practical questions about fit, integration and value. It was an exciting start to the event and a reflection of the industry’s willingness to keep looking to the future.”
Day two built on the practical focus of day one, focusing on adoption, collaboration and leadership across the industry.
The program featured discussions on workforce innovation, Scope 3 emissions, sustainability tools and data-driven process improvement. Processors and research partners presented trial results and case studies, providing processors with insight into both the benefits and integration challenges.
A dedicated leadership stream, including the Storytelling for Leaders workshop, supported processors in strengthening their communication and managing change.
The exhibition floor remained active throughout the day, with attendees continuing to engage with exhibitors, test systems and explore adoption pathways for their businesses.
The evening concluded with the Multivac Industry Dinner and the first-ever AMPC Awards of Excellence, which recognise outstanding achievement across environmental performance, technology leadership, workforce innovation and R&D excellence.
AMPC is grateful to the delegates, sponsors, exhibitors and suppliers who helped make our second Innovation Showcase such a great success.