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The great Julia Child used to say, “People who love to eat are always the best people.” It is that belief, and the fact that Melbourne is the foodie capital of Australia, that led the United States to partner with Fine Food Australia – to highlight the Taste of America at this year’s show. The United States and its numerous food and beverage exhibitors are excited to showcase the best the country has to offer and expand the love their Australian fans have for their products. The U.S. is now the third-largest supplier of agricultural products to Australia with 9 percent market share of the country’s total agricultural imports valued at $1.7 billion in 2025. Consumers cannot get enough of these unique, premium offerings, such as cheese, pork products, distilled spirits and fresh fruits, which are also their top exports.
The Taste of America Shines at Fine Food Australia 2026 – Say Cheese!
At this year’s Fine Food Australia, the United States will host its largest pavilion yet with over half of the booths exhibiting delicious American cheese and other dairy products. The U.S. is the second-largest supplier of cheese to Australia after New Zealand. In fact, U.S. cheese exports to Australia exploded by 62 percent (by value) in 2025 over the previous year. Australian consumers cannot get enough of American Cheddar and other cheese varieties from across the U.S., primarily Wisconsin and California. A growing share of these exports are speciality cheese products that can be found in your local supermarket and gourmet food shop.
Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin proudly display their wonderful cheese at Fine Food Australia 2025
Australia’s Thirst for American Spirits and Wine
In the United States, as in many parts of the globe, consumers love to take part in winery and distillery tours to experience and experiment with new wines and spirits. While not all of us will have the opportunity to visit amazing U.S. wine and whiskey regions such as Napa Valley or the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Australian consumers can easily experience these regions and their amazing bounty during their next visit to the bottle shop. In 2025, U.S. distilled spirits exports to Australia totalled USD $138 million, making the U.S. the second-largest supplier of spirits to the country. Australians are particularly fond of American whiskies, including the iconic Bourbon, which is increasingly a main feature in the country’s bars and a driver of experimentation within the craft cocktail movement. American wine is also growing in Australia with consumers thirsty for California’s premium Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines, along with other distinct varieties such as Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon. Through its presence at Fine Food Australia, along with other promotional activities during the show week, the U.S. is determined to promote the diversity, value and quality of it’s alcoholic beverages to a new generation of Australian wine and cocktail enthusiasts.
The Future of the Taste of America in Australia and the region
There is no doubt that American food and beverages have a bright future in Australia. The United States’ agricultural exports continue to steadily expand in Australia and New Zealand, as regional consumers seek premium products that offer great value and convenience. U.S. agricultural exports have the potential to increase for products such as pork, confectionery, bakery goods, non-alcoholic beverages, and now beef. Even with competition from Europe and New Zealand, U.S. products can grow on their strengths in safety standards, competitive pricing, brand recognition, and superior supply chain logistics to expand market share. American products have something for everyone, and the U.S. is eager to share its distinct flavours, history and culture through an ever-expanding range of offerings.
Fine Food Australia 2026 takes place 31 August – 3 September at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. Four days, thousands of products, and one unmissable event for Australia’s foodservice and hospitality industry. Discover the latest in food, drink, equipment and technology, connect with suppliers, source new products and attend live demonstrations, all under one roof. Entry is free for trade professionals. Register now →