Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) has welcomed leaders in food and agriculture, chef Alejandro Saravia and Emma Coath, to its Club Melbourne Ambassador Program.

Acclaimed chef and restaurateur Saravia is known for introducing Peruvian cuisine to Australia’s food culture. Having cooked in world-class kitchens in Peru, New York, Barcelona, Paris, London and Sydney, he is now on a culinary mission to champion Victoria’s produce, farmers, and growers.

Through his celebrated dining concept Farmer’s Daughters and his latest project Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters at Federation Square, Alejandro is showcasing the quality and diversity of producers from across the state.

Coath is Managing Director of Rocket Seeder, a company that supports innovators and entrepreneurs to develop solutions to the world’s biggest problems in the food and agriculture sector by giving early-stage startups the best possible chance to develop a sustainable enterprise for global impact.

A strategic thinker and innovative professional with expertise in stakeholder and project management, and international market research and development, she connects thought leaders and challenges conventional perspectives.

“As Club Melbourne Ambassadors, Emma and Alejandro will join Melbourne’s best and brightest minds to showcase the city’s world-leading expertise,” Club Melbourne manager Clare Kellett said.

“Through their networks, interests and collaborations, Emma and Alejandro will strive to promote Melbourne and Victoria to the world, boost the economy and bring thought leadership to the city.”

The Club Melbourne Ambassador program is a cohort of eminent Victorians from diverse disciplines of medicine, science and environment, technology, engineering, business and education. The program works with MCEC and the Melbourne Convention Bureau to secure significant conferences and events that promote Victoria as a knowledge destination.

Since its inception in 2005, the Club Melbourne Ambassador Program has secured 160 international conferences worth over $1 billion to Victoria’s economy.