The Free From/Functional Food Expo will be coming to Barcelona from 8 to 9 June, featuring a stunning marketplace of free-from products and ingredients from around the globe, all under one roof.
The expo is Europe's annual trade-only event on free-from and functional food and ingredients, driven by the explosion in the health, free-from and functional category.
More than 3,000 buyers and professionals from retail, foodservice and the major multiples are expected to attend. They will be able to source the latest products from more than 250 exhibitors, as well as the latest trends and innovations offered by an extensive conference programme, with more than 50 specialist key speakers scheduled over two full days.
Global Interest
The number of suppliers and manufacturers showcasing their products at the Free From/Functional Food Expo and in the conjoined Ingredients Zone continues to grow year on year.
The diverse and unique range of free-from products and ingredients includes those that are lactose-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, vegan, kosher, and much more.
The trend for gluten-free continues to dominate, with more producers than ever before offering food, drinks and ingredients that are free of gluten, certified by the national bodies managed by AOECS, the Association of European Coeliac Societies.
Meet The Exhibitors
This year, producers and suppliers will come from around the world, including the UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, Hungary, Israel, France, the Netherlands and Belgium, with new exhibitors drawn from Canada and the USA.
There are also dedicated Finland, Ireland and Portugal pavilions, and a new addition for 2017: a Korean pavilion, showing that the demand for free-from is touching all corners of the globe. The Korean Pavilion, organised by the Trade Expo in Seoul, will feature exhibitors showcasing their free-from products based on rice.
New for 2017
Vegan, lactose-free and functional foods are in demand, as consumers choosing a healthier lifestyle make the switch to plant-based food and drink products with extra health benefits.
More people than ever before are going vegan, and this year, the Vegan Society is the event partner, reflecting this trend.
Functional foods – vitamins, probiotics, nutritional and food supplements, protein and sports nutrition – will also be featured, as part of the specialist Functional Food Expo Zone.
What's On
This year, Free From/Functional Food Expo is sponsored by Proceli, creators of gluten-free products and ingredients. More than a trade show, Free From/Functional Food Expo is the ultimate free-from experience. Suppliers and buyers can swap information, share experiences, make new contacts and build international relationships, as well as keep up to date on the latest products, ingredients and trends that shape this fast-growing sector.
There will be a full conference programme in two dedicated theatres during the two-day event. Experts will reveal all the latest insight into the market, and what the future holds. This year, there will be even more to debate, with topics covering functional food and veganism. Last year, the show welcomed Hamish Renton, from Renton Associates; David Jago, from Mintel; and David Hedin, from Euromonitor International, among the speakers.
New Buyer Programme
For 2017, show organiser Expo Business Communications has introduced a new dedicated free-from buyer programme. Key preselected buyers from major supermarkets across Europe will be invited to the show.
Ronald Holman, exhibition director, said, "The free-from and functional markets continue to make huge strides right across Europe and beyond, and this growth shows no sign of slowing down, which is great news for producers and suppliers.
"This is an exciting year to be part of this growing and much-needed trade show. It is already bigger than last year, and with so much more on offer, with our new country and specialist pavilions and the conference schedule, there is simply no better time to exhibit or visit."
To find out more, visit the website.
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