Australia: Hort Connections 2026 to bring the fresh produce industry together in Adelaide

With under two months to go, Hort Connections 2026 is shaping as a crucial gathering for the entire horticulture industry and supply chain. Taking place over four action-packed days at the Adelaide Convention Centre from 1–4 June, the event promises an immersive programme of learning, networking and connection. Co-hosted by AUSVEG and the International Fresh Produce Association Australia-New Zealand (IFPA ANZ), Hort Connections is the biggest horticulture event in the southern hemisphere.

Several exciting additions have recently been announced to this year's speaker and demonstration lineup. Sam Beaton, Joint CEO of Cobram Estate Olives, will speak on the brand's expansion into the United States, while Kim McDonnell, founder and CEO of award-winning tech start-up Saveful, will share how her work is helping families make mealtimes simpler, more sustainable and more cost-effective through smarter food choices. Renowned chefs Simon Toohey, Laura Sharrad, Michael Weldon, Sarah Pound and Callum Hann will also take to the Cooking Activation, offering live demonstrations and insights into how they champion sustainability while creating exceptional dishes using fresh Australian fruit and vegetables.

New to this year's event is the Demonstration Lounge, partnered by CHEP — a dedicated space on the trade show floor where attendees can experience live product demonstrations, technology in action and real-time solutions from across the horticulture supply chain. The event will also feature what is priming to be a sold-out Hort Connections Breakfast, partnered by Nutrien Ag Solutions on the Wednesday morning, with further speaker details available on the Hort Connections website.

Hort Connections 2026 will also introduce a refreshed event format designed to enhance the experience for both delegates and exhibitors. The first day will feature tours of local farming and processing operations, followed by plenary speaker sessions on day two alongside the official opening of the trade show and a welcome event at Adelaide Oval. The trade show will then run across days three and four, complemented by a programme of speaker sessions and activations, before the event concludes on Thursday evening with the Gala Dinner and Horticulture Awards for Excellence.

AUSVEG CEO Michael Coote emphasised the importance of the event at a time of significant industry pressure. "The Hort Connections 2026 speaker lineup and wider program is fast filling with a world-class array of insightful, informative and inspiring presentations, displays and demonstrations, ensuring delegates will see and learn about the latest developments and innovations in horticulture, and the key issues and themes in the industry. With many challenges currently being faced across the industry and in the wider world, it is crucial that the entire horticulture sector has opportunities to gather together, and Hort Connections 2026 is the perfect platform to do precisely that."

IFPA ANZ Managing Director Belinda Wilson echoed that sentiment, highlighting the event's broader significance for the region's fresh produce sector. "During these uncertain times it's even more important that our industry comes together to celebrate innovation and new technology and showcase our essential service providing food security to our nations. Hort Connections is uniquely placed to bring together Australia and New Zealand's $24 billion fresh produce and floral supply chain, providing important connections and creating partnerships to help all businesses across the supply chain grow and thrive."

The full list of speakers can be found at the link here.