Evolving trends and changing consumer demands continue to lead the way in shaping the food and drink landscape. The International Food & Drink Event 2017 is dedicated to showcasing the full scope of today’s global product innovations. Running from 19 to 22 March at ExCeL London, it is the place to discover new products from 1,350 food and drink manufacturers and identify a range of future-trend predictions.
In 2015, the event saw coconut crisps, coconut water, seaweed, and savoury popcorn at the forefront of innovation. This year will see further on-trend creations.
From aloe-vera drinks to immune-system-boosting juices and smoothies, the functional-drinks market is huge, and further growth is predicted, as consumers become increasingly aware of their physical and psychological needs. The industry can also expect to see a rise in demand for ground-breaking premium adult soft drinks. Exhibiting at IFE for the first time, Equinox Kombucha has created raw, organic sparkling energy drinks full of naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, amino acids and live bacteria. Visit Stand N1900 to discover their nutritional benefits.
Consumption habits are changing more than ever before, and millennials continue to lead the way when it comes to healthy eating and drinking. Cleaner eating is a key trend to look out for, and IFE 2017 has a large section dedicated to health and well-being. New suppliers this year include Nutristrength, founded by two brothers devoted to producing clean-living nutritional products. The brand will be showcasing a range of protein powders produced using goat and sheep whey, and even peas (Stand N2432).
In many categories, industry forecasters expect to see consumers opting for authentic and traditional products using unadulterated ingredients and locally sourced produce. Discover the Great British & Irish Food section, with a range of artisanal products such as Snowflake Gelato at Stand N2842. To date, the brand has received 25 Great Taste Gold Stars and was voted the Great Taste Supreme Champion.
Free-from has already been one of the hottest trends across 2016 and will continue to grow in 2017, with brands launching exciting and innovative products. From avocado oils to dairy-free ice cream, vegan jerky and quinoa crisps, at IFE 2017, buyers can walk a dedicated free-from 'trend trail' to discover the latest suppliers and products.
Event director Soraya Gadelrab said, "Visitors to IFE 2017 will witness firsthand the emerging food and drink trends and the products that will lead the way for 2017. We’re proud that so many of our exhibitors see IFE 2017 as the ideal platform to launch new products, and we’re excited to see what’s in store for the year ahead."
The top five must-see products are: Manhood beer jellies (Stand N3010), Sacoma sweet-potato bars and crackers (Stand N1448), Fori meat-protein bars (Stand N1544), Sygenix health drinks (Stand N2223) and Yumpa cricket-flour energy bars (Stand N2262).
Register now via the IFE website for your free entrance badge and save paying £25 at the door.
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