Source: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)
19 March 2024 – Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) is proud to launch new commercial relationships with two leading Australian beverage companies, Padre Coffee and Vanguard Luxury Brands, Australia’s leading distributor of premium spirits.
Through partnering with Padre Coffee and Vanguard, MCEC continues to build on its commitment to sourcing the finest Victorian produce and supporting the local economy and community, while offering exceptional quality to customers and visitors.
MCEC’s Head of Food and Beverage, Paul Kanaan said, “we have a strong philosophy of working with local Victorian and Melbourne suppliers here at MCEC and we’re proud to partner with two big names in beverages to further this commitment”.
Padre Coffee has been synonymous with Melbourne since opening their doors in 2008. Padre has become a beloved institution with five locations around the city, including South Melbourne Market only a short walk from MCEC. Renowned for their specialty grade coffee, Padre Coffee ensures their products are of the highest quality, while also prioritising fair and sustainable prices for the farmers and producers they work with.
“We’re proud to be working with MCEC and help them realise their vision to bring the best of Melbourne to their audience. We’re excited to be working closely with them to deliver a unique coffee experience to the broad demographic that MCEC hosts,” says Andrew Harris, National Sales Manager at Padre Coffee.
Vanguard Luxury Brands sources the best liquor from Victoria and around Australia. MCEC is proud to feature Vanguard’s renowned brands including Four Pillars Gin and The Gospel Whiskey, both of which exemplify excellence and sustainability.
Four Pillars Gin, Australia’s first carbon neutral gin distillery, has been named the world’s leading gin producer three years in a row. Locally distilled in the stunning Yarra Valley, less than an hour from Melbourne, Four Pillars showcases the region’s exceptional craftsmanship.
The Gospel Whiskey is crafted from 100% Australian unmalted rye from South Australia and locally distilled in Brunswick, Melbourne. The Gospel has strong sustainability credentials, using 100% recyclable packaging, diverting waste from landfill and donating to charities.
Vanguard also supplies MCEC with other premium local Melbourne liquor brands including Melbourne Cocktail Company and Aether Vodka.
MCEC’s commitment to sourcing and promoting local produce not only benefits Victorian businesses, but also contributes to MCEC’s sustainability targets by reducing emissions from transportation. Last financial year, an impressive 97% of MCEC’s suppliers were Victorian-based.
“By partnering with suppliers like Padre Coffee and Vanguard, that share our commitments to community and sustainability we can ensure fantastic quality, sustainable produce and we know our customers and visitors will love it,” Paul added.
In addition to the new local coffee and cocktail offerings, MCEC has an existing relationship with local sustainable tea supplier, Love Tea. Their certified organic and fair-trade tea is handcrafted in Melbourne and their packaging is made from recycled cardboard and home compostable plant-based material.
Visitors to MCEC can now enjoy Padre Coffee at the venue’s onsite cafes and catered events.
Vanguard liquors including Four Pillars and The Gospel are available at Goldfields Café & Bar as well as on the menu at corporate catered events.
Event organisers can even opt for a pop-up Four Pillars activation station or Padre coffee cart at their events for a unique engaging delegate experience.
Whether it’s a morning cup of coffee or an afternoon cocktail, MCEC ensures an exceptional experience for all.
ABOUT MCEC
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) is the home of unconventional. At MCEC we do things a little differently. We bring fresh ideas and imagination to every event. We happily turn concepts on their head to make each experience momentous. We welcome events of all shapes and sizes, from meetings and conferences to exhibitions, concerts, and galas, whether in-person, virtual or hybrid. And our city is our inspiration. Melbourne is on show at MCEC – in the architecture and design, food and hospitality, location, and views. Discover the difference at MCEC.
Acknowledgement of Country
Built on the banks of the Birrarung (Yarra River), Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) Acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Narrm, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and to Elders of all First Nations communities that visit MCEC. We recognise the ongoing significance of the Birrarung to Traditional Owners as a life source and a meeting place for millennia and seek to honour this long-standing tradition of building community and exchanging ideas on these lands.
