Speciality-Food-Magazine-March-2025

produce such as sauerkraut from Poland, and Speck Alto Adige PGI from Italy, to undiscovered confectionery from Estonia and Slovakia, PGI meat from Croatia and Romania, and lesser-known fruit and vegetable products such as squash caviar from Latvia, and rose jam from Bulgaria.” In today’s market, Veryan adds, “Consumers are increasingly looking for transparency, provenance, and sustainability in the products they choose. The More Than Only Food & Drink campaign is about bringing those values to life, demonstrating why European products are more than just ingredients—they are part of a legacy of taste and quality.” At the event you’ll also be able to watch some key ingredients in action, as Michelin-starred chef Danilo Cortellini hosts a demonstration each day, bringing cheese, meat, fresh produce and more to life, with plenty of sampling opportunities. A taste of Europe The expanse and variety of what’s available to try at the EU’s debut More Than Only Food & Drink stand this March is vast, from exquisite Many are sourced from artisanal, family-run businesses, made to time-honoured methods that respect the land, the environment, animal welfare. They’re a testament to the notion that the best, most delicious, things in life cannot be rushed. Meet the experts At IFE, meet three of the More Than Only Food & Drink campaign’s UK advisors – Patrick McGuigan, Veryan Bliss and Rupert Claxton. The trio, alongside others, have been selected for their unrivalled sector knowledge, working to support promotion of the exceptional taste and exacting standards of artisan- made food and drink from the EU. Veryan says she is delighted to be attending this year. “At IFE we have the opportunity to connect directly with buyers, retailers, and food industry professionals, sharing not just the products themselves, but the rich stories behind them,” she explains. “The craftsmanship, the dedication of producers, and the deep-rooted traditions that make European food and drink so special. “There will be the chance for guests to sample everything on display – frommore well-known 22 @specialityfood A cornucopia of the very best food and drink from the European Union will take pride of place at IFE 2025 (held from 17th to 19th March at Excel London) as its More Than Only Food & Drink campaign attends the event for the first time, since launching in 2024. More than 50 speciality products from 27 member nations will be available to discover and sample across the three-day event, with More Than Only Food & Drink team members and ambassadors joining together at stand number 2732 within the International Pavilion, to demonstrate their quality, authenticity and sustainability. It’s a chance for buyers and retailers to learnmore about the key characteristics, heritage and unrivalled taste of products renowned as being the very best of the best, across categories including charcuterie, freshmeat, cheese and dairy, fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables, bakery and confectionery, and wines, spirits and beers. Over 50 products demonstrating the excellence of EU members’ food and drink scene are to be showcased by the More Than Only Food & Drink campaign this year PARTNER CONTENT EXPERIENCE A FLAVOUR OF THE EU AT IFE 2025 jams and juices, to outstanding cured meats, and highly revered cheeses and wines. A flavour of what you’ll find includes... Cioccolato di Modica PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) from Italy: There is, quite simply, no other chocolate like this (though it has been imitated by craft makers across the world). Protected by a consortium, and made solely around the medieval city of Modica in Sicily, this is a pure expression of chocolate, produced with just two ingredients – cacao and sugar. These are ground slowly at low temperatures to retain all the beautiful natural flavours of the cacao. It’s a technique brought to Sicily by the Spanish who, in turn, learnt their craft from the Aztecs. Cioccolato di Modica PGI has an addictively different texture, being grainy, crumbly and almost cookie-like. It’s often flavoured with other ingredients, from vanilla or cinnamon to ginger. Saucisson sec d’Auvergne PGI from France: This dry-cured sausage embodies the ancient tradition of preserving in France. Every step of the process is important, from sourcing only the finest pork from the Haute-Loire region and grinding it coarsely to achieve the perfect texture, to seasoning simply, only using natural casings, fermenting, and then curing slowly until each sausage reaches perfection. It’s best tasted in thin slices at room temperature. Espárrago de Navarra PGI from Spain: These slender white asparagus spears have a delicate flavour and smooth texture, and represent the long agricultural traditions of Spain’s Navarre region. To achieve PGI status they must only be grown in Navarre, where the soil and climate combine to create ideal conditions. The asparagus is carefully tended to, and picked at its very best, by hand, before landing in the kitchens of top restaurants, and keen home cooks. Vipavska Dolina PDO, a red wine from Slovenia: The Vipava Valley in Slovenia, is one of the country’s most successful wine growing regions. Lush green valleys, excellent soil, and a mild climate with just the right amount of rain produce grapes of excellence – especially red varieties such as Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir. Kulmbacher Bier PGI from Germany: Dating back to the 19th century, this beer is brewed naturally, using only malt, hops, water and yeast, within the borders of Kulmbach, Bavaria. Its flavour and appearance changes according to the variety, which can be pale, golden or dark, tasting frommild to bitter, and even sharp. Paški sir PDO from Croatia: This hard, flaky cheese, with a herbal, gently salty taste, is made only on the Croatian island of Pag, using milk from Paska Ovca sheep. It’s aged usually for at least four months, with curations ranging up to 18 months, giving varying expressions, from light and crisp, to deep and savoury. It becomes tangier as it ages. enjoy-its-from-europe.campaign. europa.eu/united-kingdom/en VERYAN BLISS