Less than 100 days to go: NZFGC Conference 2026 heads to Queenstown
FMCG Business Magazine - Raewyn Bleakley comment
The countdown is on. With less than 100 days until the New Zealand Food & Grocery Council Annual Conference 2026, excitement is building for what promises to be our biggest event of the year.
From Wednesday 4 to Friday 6 November, our food, beverage, and grocery sector will come together at the newly renovated QT Hotel Queenstown - manufacturers, producers, suppliers, brand owners, importers, exporters, retailers, government representatives and industry stakeholders from across New Zealand.
As we complete a third year operating under a regulated environment, and against the backdrop of another economically challenging year, the conference is a great way for industry to come together and reflect on the challenges and opportunities ahead.
One of the most anticipated aspects of this year's programme is the strong line-up of retail leaders who have committed to sharing their insights with delegates. Attendees will hear directly from Chris Quin, CEO of Foodstuffs North Island, Sally Copland, Managing Director of Woolworths New Zealand, and Mary Devine, CEO of Foodstuffs South Island. Bringing together leaders from New Zealand's major grocery retailers provides an unique opportunity for suppliers and industry partners to gain first-hand perspectives on the future of retail, changing consumer expectations, supplier relationships and the evolving grocery landscape.
The conference will also feature Matthew Lane from Night 'n Day, offering valuable insights into the convenience retail channel and the trends shaping consumer purchasing behaviour beyond the traditional supermarket environment.
We'll also hear from speakers providing broader industry insights. Our headline sponsor, Argon & Co, will share its expertise in supply chain, procurement, operations and transformation, and how businesses can improve performance, build resilience and drive sustainable growth in an increasingly complex environment.
Delegates will also hear from NielsenIQ and Circana, delivering their much-anticipated annual market and consumer insights. Adding further depth to the programme, Craig Woolford from Marquee will share retail and investment perspectives, providing delegates with a unique view of retailer performance and the broader market forces influencing the sector.
And there's more to come. While the programme is already packed with industry-leading insights, delegates can also look forward to the announcement of several high-profile keynote speakers in the coming weeks.
Beyond the conference stage, the event offers valuable opportunities to connect, collaborate and celebrate industry achievements.
The Welcome Networking Reception, proudly supported by NielsenIQ, will provide the perfect setting for delegates to reconnect with colleagues and establish new industry relationships. The reception will also mark the launch of Season Four of the popular Shared Horizons video series, produced in partnership with ASN Media.
There is also the Gala Dinner, proudly supported by Cardinal. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Gibbston Valley at the beautiful Winehouse historic homestead, the evening promises exceptional hospitality, great company and an opportunity for the industry to come together and celebrate another year.
With a packed programme featuring key retail leaders, industry-leading market insights, outstanding networking opportunities and a spectacular Queenstown setting, the NZFGC Annual Conference 2026 is shaping up to be an event not to be missed. Join us!
