gluten free familyA mum's blog about gluten-free living in Australia

Our product 'haul' from previous expos.

You win some, you lose some: that’s how it played out in the world of gluten-free trade shows in recent years.

2010 was a bumper year for them with many capital cities getting two each, then last year we had a show shakeout and we just got the one. (The official word from the Irresistible Show folk was the market was not strong enough to sustain two events in the one state.) Read the rest of this entry »

It really is the season of gluten free food fests here on the GFF blog.

Last week we reported on all the exciting developments from Sydney’s annual gluten free expo (which included these delicious wares from Healthy Feast).  Now we have good news for our followers in Melbourne. Read the rest of this entry »

Rowie's heart-shaped polenta cake.

Recipes were the talk of the show at this year’s gluten free expo in Sydney as Australia’s GF glitterati gathered together to promote their favourite dishes, recipes and entertaining ideas. Read the rest of this entry »

Yes it’s almost that time again! In just two weeks, the Gluten Free Expo 2011 will take Sydney Olympic Park by storm.  Okay, that may be overplaying it a bit, but we at GFF love this annual food fest!

These shows usually run over a weekend, but this year the Expo will run on Friday evening (4-8pm on August 26) and all day Saturday (9am-5pm on August 27).

Because it’s the only gluten free show going on in Sydney this year, we at GFF plan to really make the most of it. We will head into Homebush on Saturday morning with trolleys and bags at the ready, and a million questions for our favourite exhibitors. Read the rest of this entry »

I love a gluten free trade show and last year was a good year for them. Residents of the larger capital cities were treated to two apiece. Life was good.

Apparently, however, the gluten free show business is a tough one. Some rationalisation has taken place. The result? Just one show each this year in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth and a new show in Canberra. Read the rest of this entry »

We did not shirk all of our blogging duties over the Christmas break. We remained vigilant in our search for hot new GF products with the potential to fill our hearts and our pantries. Here are a few recent sightings: Read the rest of this entry »

the haul

Where have all the cupcakes gone? That’s what I found myself humming yesterday at Sydney’s Irresistible Gluten Free Show at Moore Park.

A reader who attended the last Sydney expo in August noted at the time that there were too many treats and not enough savouries being spruiked. At this show, the exhibitors seem to have struck a better balance.

Actually at this show, there are fewer exhibitors overall. This makes it a little bit easier on the feet. The challenge of healthy eating on a gluten free diet also seems to be a growing theme, and this is visible both at the stands and amongst the presententations.

Fewer exhibits has meant there is more space for information gathering: there are numerous Coles Kitchen cooking demos, expert sessions on gluten free living (we sat in on quite a few of these yesterday and will share some of their insights over the next few weeks) and a large cooking school featuring up close and personal demos from the experts.

yum!

So, back to the cupcakes. As you can see from the pic, I did not go home empty handed in this regard, but I swear these Rowies cakes are the only ones and even these are only being sold by the boxload!

There are plenty of other goodies and some new products as well which I will share with you soon!

The Sydney  Irrisistable Gluten Free expo is running this weekend at the Royal Hall of Industries at Moore Park.

MB

My haul from last year

Its show time for Sydneysiders once again in November as the Irrisitable Gluten Free Show comes to the Royal Hall of Industries at Moore Park on November 20 – 21.

The venue has changed from last year’s show – which was held at Darling Harbour – and I think it is also a week later than previously scheduled, so do double check your diary.

It may not be as central – but one of the good things about the change of venue is that it also now a good deal cheaper to attend (I’m not sure if the two things are related – but last year I paid $25 entry which was a bit of a sting).

I believe ticket prices are now $10 per adult at the door – which makes a big difference for a family of four – but  a quick check of website indicates you can also pre-register for free tickets – so that could also save you a dollar or two. (Though you may also have to factor in the cost of  parking given Moore Park isn’t particularly close to any train links.)

My co-blogger Mandy and I will most certainly be there, soaking up the gluten-free vibes, sampling all the gluten free sweet treats, and quizzing stall attendees about the minutiae of their product ranges. So for those stuck out of town – and unable to attend – please send in any burning questions you may have for manufacturers or retailers and we will make sure the tough questions get asked! Read the rest of this entry »

Eveleigh farmers market

I think I tasted the best gluten free cupcakes ever on the weekend at the Eveleigh farmers market near Redfern in Sydney.

I was having gluten free expo withdrawals so I headed into town to check out what was on offer at this gathering of boutique growers, makers and bakers.

Most of those in the baker category seemed to have something gluten free in their product line-up and the kids and I had a great time sampling their wares.

But lots of other products were also trading on their gluten free credentials – good to see!

So, back to those cupcakes.

I wanted to take a picture because they were also very pretty but they kind of got eaten. However I managed to grab a business card. They were made by The Cupcake Princess.

Healthy Feast also had a stall so I got to try a few more of their products including a couple of fruit pies and sausage rolls. Yum!

And I couldn’t resist a couple of gluten free chocolate and raspberry brownies from Fare Gourmet of Castle Hill. Read the rest of this entry »

Psssst, all you gluten free folks in Melbourne busily planning your day out at the Irrisistable Gluten Free show on October 2-3, we have some free double passes to give away (value of $40 – so a decent saving). [UPDATE: COMPETITION NOW CLOSED]

For the unitiated, the show is being held at the Melbourne Convention Centre and will feature loads of food stands, educational sessions and live gluten free cooking demos.

I think we have made it pretty clear how much we love gluten free food fests here on the GFF blog. They are where we catch up on all the hot new products and sample fairly large quantities of cake. We also try to sit in on the many interesting talks from nutrition and lifestyle experts.

Grownups will have to pay $20 for entry to the show and it will cost $15 for kids aged 12-16. Family tickets are also available for $50 – that is unless you enter our competition and win a free double pass.

All you have to do is email us at mail@glutenfreefamily.com.au with the name of the show in the subject bar. The first five replies will win a double pass each which we will post out to you.

Don’t be jealous Sydneysiders. On November 20 – 21  the Irresistible Gluten Free Food Show will take the floor at the Royal Hall of Industies, Moore Park. the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour.

LH