- Registration is open for IFE 2025 - bringing together the global speciality food and drink industry
IFE
Held in the city of innovation, London, IFE (International Food & Drink Event), brings together an immersive and interactive event at ExCeL London. Over three days, IFE welcomes more than 25,000 key industry professionals to come and sample the latest products, develop their knowledge on the trends affecting the food and drink sector and network face-to-face with suppliers.
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IFE, part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week, returns to Excel London on 17th-19th March 2025, bringing together food and drink professionals from across retail, hospitality, and foodservice for three days of sourcing, networking, and thought-provoking discussion.
For more than 45 years, IFE has been one of the UK’s leading trade events for the food and drink sector, offering buyers and industry professionals an unrivalled opportunity to explore cutting-edge trends, discover innovative products, and connect with key suppliers and decision-makers.
With an expanded show floor featuring 15 dedicated sections and a packed seminar programme across three stages, the 2025 edition promises to be an essential event for those looking to stay ahead in the fast-moving world of food and drink.
At the heart of the event is the Future Food Stage, where an exciting schedule of panel discussions and keynote talks will explore the key challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the sector. One of the most anticipated sessions of the programme is ‘Ultra-Processed Foods: Do We Need a Tighter Definition?’, a timely discussion tackling the ongoing debate around UPFs and their impact on health, regulation, and product innovation.
The panel, moderated by Siân Yates of FoodBev Media, will feature leading voices from across the industry, including Jessica Stansfield of Huel, Kerri Fidler of Greencore, Peter Noy from the Food Systems Institute at the University of Nottingham, and Sarah Bull of Bakkavor.
The changing landscape of vegan and plant-based food will take centre stage in the session ‘State of the Vegan-nation’, where industry experts will discuss how brands and retailers are responding to evolving consumer preferences. Moderated by Freya O’Mara of Ocado, the discussion will feature insights from Indy Kaur of Plant Futures, Karen Spinner of the Vegan Society, and Toni Vernelli of Veganuary.
Commenting on the significance of the discussion, Spinner says, “IFE is a fantastic opportunity for brands, buyers, and retailers to discover the latest innovation and trends in the vegan and plant-based sector. As the world’s leading vegan certification standard, the Vegan Trademark has unique insight into how the market is developing – and how brands need to position their products to resonate with an ever-growing audience.”
Innovation will also be a major theme at this year’s event, with the session ‘Revolutionising Retail: How Accelerators and Incubators are Shaping the Future’ offering a deep dive into the role of startup programmes in fostering new food and drink brands. Hosted by Theadora Alexander of YF, the panel will bring together Andrew Allen from Bidfood and Melanie Harris from Iceland to discuss how these initiatives are transforming product development.
Harris adds, “Excited to join this event and discuss how Brands On Ice is at the forefront of bringing innovation to Iceland shoppers, and the success and future opportunities within this accelerator.”
Digital transformation will be another key focus, with the session ‘Online Shopping as a Trend Predictor in the Food & Drink Industry’ set to challenge traditional approaches to trend forecasting. Moderated by Debbie Davies of Contigo Management Limited, the panel will feature Louise Armour of Rosetta Brands and Stephen Minall of FDReviews, exploring how e-commerce data is reshaping innovation strategies.
Davies comments, “With our great panellists, this session should provide food for thought and a great debate. As always with IFE panels, we aim to challenge current thinking and spark meaningful discussions.”
Alongside these engaging discussions, IFE 2025 will also offer an unparalleled opportunity to explore new and innovative products through its carefully curated show floor. The Startup Market will showcase disruptive brands making waves in the industry, while dedicated sections such as Bakery, Snacks & Confectionery, Chilled & Frozen, and Grocery & Wholesale will provide invaluable sourcing opportunities for buyers looking for fresh and high-quality products.
With exhibitors from over 60 countries, including 18 international pavilions from destinations such as Taiwan, South Korea, India, and Italy, attendees will have access to an extraordinary selection of food and drink innovation from around the world.
One of the must-visit features of the show is the New Products Tasting Theatre, where visitors can experience the latest in product development firsthand. This interactive space will host live tastings and masterclasses, offering a deep dive into exciting new launches. Highlights include a New Product Showcase from the Isle of Man, a Charcuterie Masterclass with FICT - Les Entreprises Françaises de Charcuterie Traiteur, and an exclusive tasting with the Free From Food Awards, introducing award-winning producers and industry-leading allergy-friendly products.
As part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week, IFE 2025 will run alongside IFE Manufacturing, The Pub Show, HRC, and International Salon Culinaire, creating an all-encompassing showcase of food & drink innovation, hospitality excellence, and culinary creativity.
With so much to discover, IFE 2025 is a must-attend event for anyone looking to source the best products, hear from leading industry experts, and gain insights into the trends that will shape the future of food and drink. Register here for your complimentary trade ticket and be part of the conversation.
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