Today, we spotlight Minnie Constan, whose journey with Fine Food spanned two transformative decades. Rising from Manager to Director and now serving as CEO of one of our largest partners, the Foodservice Suppliers Association of Australia (FSAA), Minnie's career is a story of inspiration, innovation, and significant impact.

The Ladder to Leadership

Minnie’s career with Fine Food started in 2006 when she began as an event manager. Her rapid advancement to event director marked the beginning of a period of significant growth and innovation for the show.  Under her leadership, Fine Food expanded not only in size but also in influence, navigating the complexities of scaling the event within the fixed dimensions of the venue.  Minnie reflects, “The biggest challenge for Fine Food is that it is venue-bound.  Other than other breakout events, the show takes up every inch of the venues it occupies, so we had to ensure everything on the show floor was relevant up-to-date and actionable.” She adds, “People attend exhibitions looking for business opportunities, but also the features and stages are equally as important – we ensured that there was always a little bit of theatrics alongside practicality at Fine Food.”

The Artful Balance of Innovation and Connection

During her time as Director, Minnie prioritised making Fine Food not only engaging but also highly entertaining. She recalls a particular event in Melbourne: “I remember one year, we had pizza toss tricks and they didn’t just stay on a stage – they roamed through the aisles, tossing pizzas and engaging with the audience.”  This clever blend of entertainment and business helped establish Fine Food as more than just a trade show, transforming it into a dynamic and enjoyable event that also fostered forward-thinking networking.  Minnie proudly notes, “That is what has made Fine Food what it is today—the fact that people depend on it for connections and new innovations that will ensure their business succeeds.”

Championing the Industry Through Highs and Lows

Throughout the industry’s highs and lows, Minnie’s unwavering focus on the foodservice sector’s needs has been a cornerstone of her success.  Whether navigating economic challenges or adapting to changing industry trends, her commitment to keeping the industry’s best interests at the forefront ensured that Fine Food remained a critical event for stakeholders. “We always had the foodservice industry front of mind,” Minnie says. “Every decision was made to ensure everything on the show floor was relevant for their success.”

A Continuing Legacy

As CEO of the Foodservice Suppliers Association of Australia (FSAA), Minnie continues her influence on the foodservice industry.  Her leadership builds on her previous work at Fine Food Australia, where she emphasised education, innovation, connections and industry support.  Her energy and enthusiasm, combined with her thriving networks and relationships, have established Minnie Constan as a luminary in Australia’s foodservice industry.

Celebrating 40 years of Fine Food Australia, we take pride in acknowledging the key contributions of individuals like Minnie Constan.  Her visionary leadership and persistent commitment have profoundly influenced both her career trajectory and the broader industry landscape.  As we reflect on Minnie’s journey from event director to respected industry leader, this milestone becomes a testament to shared success and the power of durable relationships.