Can you add some spice to culinary showpiece?
If you are a chef, food producer, tourism operator, venue manager, restaurant owner or can offer an agri-tourism experience, then you are invited to add some extra flavour to one of the Sunshine Coast’s most prominent events.
Industry partners are being sought to join The Curated Plate 2025.
This award-winning festival helps create a unique culinary journey across the Sunshine Coast from July 25 to August 3 next year, and celebrates local produce, talent, collaboration, food and drink all with the stunning backdrop of our breathtaking natural landscapes.
The 2024 event attracted more than 7,000 attendees to 85 events thanks to local businesses, producers and venues who participated in the region-wide culinary showcase.
Expressions of interest are now open for potential industry partners to submit their event concepts to become part of the 2025 program.
Interested parties can visit The Curated Plate website for more information and to put forward event concepts. The deadline for submissions is December 6.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the festival created enduring opportunities that strengthened our economy.
Mayor Natoli said it was brought to life through a collaborative approach with Sunshine Coast’s local industry association – the Food and Agribusiness Network – as well as destination marketing organisations Visit Sunshine Coast and Tourism and Events Queensland.
“We are looking to create a program full of diverse experiences for locals and visitors with extraordinary events that take place in unique settings, from our farms to beaches, from our breweries to distilleries.
“We also want our local restaurants to participate and do something special for The Curated Plate.
“They may consider changing their menu to feature Sunshine Coast local produce, to help tell the story of our vibrant food culture and showcase Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry.
“This industry-driven event is one of many delivered for the Sunshine Coast and aligns with key actions within Council’s Major Events Strategy and the Regional Economic Development Strategy.
“Food and agribusiness has been identified as a key high-value industry in our Production Economy, which is one of the six high value economies identified for growth as we target a $33 billion economy by 2033.’’
In 2025, renowned Sunshine Coast chef Peter Kuruvita will take on the role as the festival’s Culinary Director to provide more support for local chefs and venues on conceptualising ideas for events, particularly around menu development using local products.
Peter Kuruvita said he couldn’t wait to start liaising with Industry Partners about their event concepts.
“I’m excited to become more involved in The Curated Plate in 2025, particularly to provide guidance and share my knowledge and skills with local chefs and producers, if that’s what they would like,” Mr Kuruvita said.
“I hope to influence and guide the festival program to ensure we curate the best possible festival of events to showcase both local chef talent and produce and promote the Sunshine Coast as a fantastic food and drink destination.”
Don't miss your chance to be part of this unparalleled gastronomic journey.
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This Curated Plate Food and Drink Festival is an initiative of Sunshine Coast Council, supported by the Queensland Government, through Tourism & Events Queensland, the Food and Agribusiness Network and Visit Sunshine Coast.
The festival won Best Small Regional Event at the 2024 Australian Event Awards.
