4 reasons to visit IFE International Food and Drink Event 2022

New product innovation
IFE 2022 is the place to be to experience exciting new product innovation in the world of food and drink from the hottest start-ups and established brands alike. In addition to hosting the World Food Innovation Awards, in partnership with FoodBev Media, the event is an unparalleled showcase of innovative products from the UK and around the world.  

Just a few examples of the unrivalled talent pitching up a stall later this month include Likkle More Chocolate, decadent artisan chocolates inspired by the quality cacao beans of Jamaica, and Baked In, easy-to-make cake kits and themed celebration cakes. 

And for those looking to stock more high-end products, Charbonneaux-Brabant will be showcasing its luxurious Truffle Sauce, while BAUER SPA will be introducing its all-new Porcini Mushroom Stock Cube with Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Explore vegan and plant-based
Aligning with the rapidly growing plant-based sector, this year’s IFE event will feature a dedicated vegan and plant-based section in partnership with The Vegan Society.

This section will be filled with established brands in the plant-based space such as Beyond Meat, Meatless Farm, Moving Mountains and Future Farm, but also present up-and-coming suppliers including SHICKEN, Better Nature and RE:NOURISH. 

On day three of the event, the Future Food Stage will showcase an unmissable session entitled ‘Finding success in vegan and plant-based’. This presentation will feature BOSH founders Ian Theasby and Henry Firth, Rik Roberts, the general manager of Crackd, and Louisianna Waring, senior insight and policy officer at The Vegan Society discussing how to stand out in the increasingly packed plant-based space. 

Gain insight into international trade
IFE 2022 will be the show’s first post-Brexit edition, making it extremely significant as imports and exports are now very much at the top of agenda for the year. 

The event has the support of the Department for International Trade, which will be on hand to provide guidance and support on navigating international trade, plus Green Seed Group will be providing one-on-one consultations for manufacturers interested in importing products and international market opportunities. A popular returning feature is the Advice-to-Go Zone, where the Institute of Export & International Trade and Federation of Food & Drink Exporters will be on hand to provide bespoke, confidential advice.  

IFE 2022 has already seen huge support from a wide range of international food and drink brands and 50+ countries will be represented at the event, showcasing thousands of products from around the globe.

Meanwhile, the Future Food Stage, along with the Innovation Platform in IFE Manufacturing, will also see a number of sessions focused on international opportunities, with insightful sessions from organisations including the Institute of Export & International Trade examining EU export opportunities post-Brexit and how EU-to-GB food exports have evolved over the past two years. 

Discover sustainability
The subject of sustainability is once again topping the agenda in the world of food and drink and this will be strongly reflected in this year’s event. Suppliers such as Doyen Tea Company, seaweed crisp maker Abakus Foods, children’s snack company Freddie’s Farm and The Isle of Wight Distillery will be leading the way in environmental innovation.  

On the Future Food Stage, thefoodpeople’s Charles Banks will be running through the latest sustainability trends in retail, while Hamish Renton, managing director of HRA Global, Tim Etherington-Judge, co-founder of Avallen Spirits, John Steel, CEO of Cafedirect will take to the stage for a session entitled ‘Futureproof: the industry’s fight for genuine sustainability’. 

To view the full seminar programme and exhibitor list, and to register to attend, head to ife.co.uk.