It is one of the most progressive, and innovative, sectors in the food industry. Free from is still booming; and that's why Free From Food/Functional Food Expo 2017 is now one of the most important events in the food and drink calendar.
This trade-only event for buyers from across retail, food service, hospitality and wholesale, will be held in Barcelona, Spain on June 8 and 9.
As well as producers showcasing the latest trends in free from, and functional products and ingredients, there are also two conference theatres featuring an impressive line-up of speakers and experts.
A new guided 'Innovation Tour' will also highlight a selection of the most innovative free from and functional products at the show; along with new pavilions and a dedicated Buyers' Programme.
Growing Market
Vegan, plant-based, gluten free and sugar free food and drink are amongst the key free from focuses this year, whilst in the functional category - protein, supplements, sports nutrition, and added nutrition are growing in demand.
Ronald Holman, exhibition director, of Free From/Functional Food Expo said, "Demand for free from foods is increasing as consumers look to make healthier lifestyle choices. Vegan and vegetarian diets are becoming more popular with consumers switching to natural, vegetable and plant-based food and drink.
"Functional products continue to grow in demand, with consumers looking for added benefits in their food and drink - such as protein, and pro and prebiotics. The fact that we are able to offer buyers insights into these keys areas, and access to the most innovative food and drink products - and ingredients - makes Free From/Functional Food Expo one of the most important trade events in the food and drink calendar."
New Trends
Reflecting on new trends, David Jago, Innovation and Insight Director from Mintel, is one of the experts who will be speaking at Free From/Functional Food Expo 2017. He outlines the current state of the free from market in Europe, saying: "In 2016, a record 12% of all new products launched in Europe were labelled “gluten free”.
In Europe as a whole, 6% of all new products were labelled as “vegan”, but that rose to a high of 9% in the UK and an astonishing 14% in Germany, where veganism has boomed – 'flexitarianism' is the driver, with consumers increasingly opting for a wider variety of foods including meat free and dairy free options."
Lactose free is also booming. Hamish Renton, Managing Director of Hamish Renton Associates, and one of the original founders of the show said: "If there is a star in the free from sky, it's lactose free. The growth rates, the rate of product development, the weight of marketing investment behind the leading brands, and the expansion of distribution mean that the lactose free category is set for very rapid growth. High protein is also wave that is breaking across all of grocery."
Free From/Functional Food Expo - 5th Jubilee Edition Barcelona: June 8 - 9, 2017 . Pre-register now for free entry.
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