- IFE, part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week, returns to Excel London from 17th to 19th March 2025, bringing together the best and brightest from the food and drink industry
For more than 45 years, the IFE has been the UK’s leading trade event for retailers, wholesalers, hospitality professionals, and more, offering unparalleled opportunities to discover the latest trends, source innovative products, and connect with key industry players.
With a packed show floor featuring 15 dedicated food ad drink sections, insightful panel discussions, and exciting live product showcases, IFE 2025 is set to be an unmissable event for industry professionals.
Here are six key reasons why you should attend this year:
1. Meet emerging brands in the Startup Market: IFE’s Startup Market is a vibrant hub, where new and disruptive food and drink brands showcase their unique products. Visitors can engage with up-and-coming entrepreneurs, discover fresh flavours, and gain inspiration from businesses redefining the industry. If you’re looking for the next big thing in food and drink, this is the place to be.
2. Explore evolving product categories: IFE 2025 will see significant growth in key sections, including Bakery, Snacks & Confectionery, Chilled & Frozen, and Grocery & Wholesale. These expanded areas will provide even more opportunities for buyers to discover high-quality, innovative products that cater to evolving consumer tastes. From indulgent treats, to convenient frozen solutions and essential grocery staples, these sections are must-visits for retailers and foodservice professionals.
For buyers of artisan products, the Speciality Food section is another essential part of the show, with quality products and unique brands on display from all across the UK.
3. Gain insight from industry leaders: The Future Food Stage at IFE 2025 will host influential figures from retail, hospitality, and foodservice, providing valuable insight into the biggest challenges and opportunities in the sector. Key sessions include a deep dive into 2025’s top consumer trends with FMCG Gurus’ Kate Kehoe, a fireside chat with Planet Organic founder Renée Elliott and Speciality Food magazine editor Holly Shackleton, and a discussion on how accelerators and incubators are shaping the future of retail. Plus, a dedicated panel on the evolving vegan market will bring together Ocado, Plant Futures, the Vegan Society, and Veganuary.
4. Meet with food and drink brands from all around the world: More than 60 countries will be represented on the show floor at IFE 2025. From Vietnam and South Korea, to Kenya, Zimbabwe, Portugal and Poland, this year’s edition of IFE will reflect the amazing diversity and innovation on show in the food and drink industry around the world.
Among these are 18 international pavilions managed by organisations including the Taiwan External Trade Development Council, Spices Board India, Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation, and ICE Italian Trade Agency.
5. Celebrate inspiring producers at the World Food Innovation Awards: The World Food Innovation Awards, in partnership with FoodBev Media, will recognise the most forward-thinking and creative brands in the industry. This prestigious ceremony is a fantastic opportunity to see game-changing products and celebrate the companies driving innovation in food and drink.
6. Uncover NPD Insights at IFE Manufacturing: IFE’s sister event, IFE Manufacturing, runs alongside IFE 2025, offering a dedicated space for brand owners and manufacturers to explore packaging, ingredients, technology, and manufacturing solutions.
The Trends & Innovation Platform will host expert-led sessions on AI in food production, sustainability, allergen management, and more. Additionally, the Exporters Hub and Certification Clinic provide essential resources for brands looking to expand internationally and meet industry standards.
IFE takes place alongside IFE Manufacturing, The Pub Show, HRC, and International Salon Culinaire as part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week. Find out more about everything happening at this year’s event and register for your complimentary trade ticket here.
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