The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Melbourne, showcased Sri Lanka’s food and beverage sector at Fine Food Australia 2026 by organising the country’s first-ever national pavilion at the event.
Held from 31 August to 3 September 2026 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), the participation marked a significant milestone in expanding Sri Lanka’s presence in the Australian food and beverage market. It also provided Sri Lankan exporters with a dedicated platform to present their products, connect with international buyers and explore new business opportunities.
Spanning 90 square metres, the Sri Lanka Pavilion featured 12 local food and beverage companies, bringing together established exporters alongside emerging small and medium-sized enterprises. The exhibitors presented a broad portfolio of Sri Lankan products, including Ceylon Tea and coffee, Ceylon Cinnamon and spices, coconut-based products, processed foods and beverages, seafood and processed fishery products, bakery items, frozen foods, fruits, rice-based beverages, natural and herbal products, and other value-added food products.
A number of private sector companies participated as representatives of Sri Lanka at Fine Food Australia 2026, highlighting the diversity and capabilities of the country’s food and beverage industry.
The Sri Lanka Pavilion was officially inaugurated by the Consul General of Sri Lanka in Melbourne, together with EDB officials, representatives of Sri Lankan chamber associations in Melbourne and participating companies.
Throughout the four-day exhibition, the pavilion attracted significant interest from Australian and international importers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators and other industry stakeholders. Participating Sri Lankan companies engaged in business-to-business discussions, introduced their products to prospective buyers and explored opportunities for market access, distribution and sourcing partnerships.
Fine Food Australia 2026 also provided an important platform to highlight Sri Lanka’s capabilities in value-added food processing, quality manufacturing and sustainable food production. The participation further supported efforts to enhance the visibility of Sri Lankan brands and product identities while creating new opportunities within the Australian market.
NCE Export Awards 2026: Applications Close on September 30
The National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) has invited applications for the 34th Annual NCE Export Awards 2026, with companies required to submit their applications by September 30, 2026. The awards will conclude with a gala ceremony scheduled for December 11, 2026, at the Grand Ballroom of Shangri-La Colombo.
Established in 1996, the NCE Export Awards have been held continuously for 33 years, maintaining their run despite significant challenges faced by the country, including the 2004 tsunami, the Easter Sunday attacks, the COVID-19 pandemic and periods of economic uncertainty.
Over the past three decades, the awards programme has expanded from an initiative primarily focused on export revenue into a broader national platform recognising achievements across a wide range of industries. These include manufacturing, agriculture, value-added products, services and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Although export performance and financial growth remain important components of the evaluation process, the awards also assess companies across several operational and sustainability-related areas.
Key areas considered include market expansion, branding, innovation, research and development, ethical business practices and employee development. Sustainability performance is also assessed under the triple-bottom-line framework of People, Planet and Profit, with the aim of encouraging sustainable growth and long-term competitiveness in international markets.
Awards will be presented in gold, silver and bronze categories across multiple sectors. The programme will also recognise outstanding achievements through special awards, including Most Outstanding Exporter, Outstanding Women Exporters, Innovation and Sri Lankan-Owned Export Brands.
Award recipients will also receive the right to use the official NCE Export Awards winner’s logo on product packaging, corporate communications and promotional materials. The recognition can serve as an additional credential for companies when participating in international trade exhibitions and engaging with overseas buyers.
The awards also recognise the collective contribution of company management and employees, providing an opportunity to acknowledge their role in strengthening the performance and growth of Sri Lanka’s export sector.
EDB Hosts Sri Lanka’s First National Pavilion at Fine Food Australia 2026
