Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) has added two Australian beverage companies, Padre Coffee and Vanguard Luxury Brands to its list of local suppliers as it continues its responsible sourcing efforts.
Padre Coffee has been synonymous with Melbourne since opening its doors in 2008. Padre has five locations around the city, including South Melbourne Market, a short walk from MCEC. Renowned for its speciality grade coffee, Padre Coffee ensures its products are of the highest quality, while prioritising fair and sustainable prices for the farmers and producers it works with.
Vanguard Luxury Brands sources the best liquor from Victoria and around Australia. It features Four Pillars Gin and The Gospel Whiskey at MCEC. Four Pillars Gin is Australia’s first carbon neutral gin distillery, and is locally distilled in the Yarra Valley, less than an hour from Melbourne. Meanwhile, The Gospel Whiskey is crafted from 100 per cent Australian unmalted rye from South Australia and locally distilled in Brunswick. The Gospel also uses 100 per cent recyclable packaging, diverts waste from landfill and donates to charities.
Vanguard also supplies MCEC with other premium local Melbourne liquor brands, such as Melbourne Cocktail Company and Aether Vodka.
MCEC’s commitment to sourcing and promoting local produce not only benefits Victorian businesses, but also contributes to its own sustainability targets by reducing emissions from transportation. Last financial year, 97 per cent 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 and sustainable produce, and we know our customers and visitors will love it,” MCEC’s head of F&B, Paul Kanaan, said.
Visitors to MCEC can enjoy Padre Coffee at the venue’s onsite cafes and catered events. while Vanguard liquors are available at Goldfields Café & Bar as well as on the menu at corporate catered events. Organisers can also opt for a pop-up Four Pillars activation station or Padre coffee cart at their events.
