Speciality-Food-Magazine-November-December-2024

a hit. Their contributions have been instrumental in showcasing the vitality and innovation within our industry.” An expanded drinks section for 2025 Next year, the drinks offering at IFE will be bigger, bolder, and more diverse than ever before. With a special focus on both on-trade and off-trade markets, Drinks at Food, Drink & Hospitality Week will showcase an eclectic mix of products, ranging from traditional categories such as beer, wine, and spirits to the rising stars of the beverage world, including no and low-alcohol options, pre-mixed cocktails, energy drinks, and health- focused beverages. Located alongside The Pub Show, 18 @specialityfood Federico Dellafiore, event manager for IFE, says, “The Fresh Produce Section has been a fantastic addition to IFE, providing a gateway for a thriving sector to connect with buyers at the show and further expanding the diversity of producers and suppliers that buyers can meet during their visit. We’re delighted to be continuing our collaboration with the Fresh Produce Consortium into 2025 and beyond!” Nigel Jenney, CEO of the Fresh Produce Consortium, adds, “It was truly exhilarating to witness the buzz around the Fresh Produce Section at IFE 2024. The level of engagement and interest from attendees was nothing short of outstanding. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all our amazing exhibitors and sponsors who made the event such for themselves in a competitive industry. This area provides a curated space where buyers seeking fresh, groundbreaking products can easily connect with exciting new companies and entrepreneurs. For startups, the exposure is invaluable, offering the chance to showcase their offerings directly to key decision makers in retail, hospitality, and wholesale distribution. The Startup Market is an ideal platform for forging new relationships, building brand awareness, and gathering crucial feedback that can help refine products and strategies. By participating, fledgling businesses can position themselves as innovative leaders early on, paving the way for rapid growth and future success in the food and drink industry. New Products Tasting Theatre A popular feature each year is the New Products Tasting Theatre, where leading industry buyers can discover and sample quality new products. Participants in the Startup Market have the opportunity to pitch their new-to-market products and brands live to an engaged audience of buyers and industry professionals, while larger brands can invest in hour-long takeovers of the theatre to showcase their full range and provide additional sampling to visitors at the show. Fourteen dedicated show sections IFE has a range of show sections dedicated to specific show categories, with areas for Frozen Food, Speciality Food, Vegan & Plant-Based, Bakery & Confectionery and much more. Emily Williams, managing director at Novo Farina, an exhibitor in the show’s Vegan & Plant-Based Section, commented on the 2024 edition. “IFE has been our most successful exhibition to date. A highly worthwhile three days of premium-quality industry exposure, generating new opportunities and networking.” Darren Cheshire, a buyer for International Procurement & Logistics Ltd (Part of ASDA), adds, “I was impressed by the level of innovation we saw as we walked through the show. Our focus was on nuts, dried fruit and cereals and we have already begun discussions with several of the producers we met at the show. We definitely found the trip to IFE worthwhile.” also part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week, the drinks section will benefit from a wide range of buyers seeking out the very latest products and innovations in the drinks sector. John Blackley, commercial manager for Food, Drink & Hospitality Week, explains, “The expansion of Drinks at Food, Drink & Hospitality Week for 2025 reflects the increasing demand for innovation in the beverage industry. “Our goal is to create a space where exhibitors can not only showcase their products but also engage in meaningful, face-to- face interactions with buyers, wholesalers, and hospitality leaders.” In response to the growing interest in premium spirits and craft cocktails, IFE will debut an exciting new feature, The Spirits Experience, for 2025. This exclusive area offers leading spirit brands the chance to take over one of four dedicated bars, showcasing their products through live tastings and interactive demonstrations. Aimed at both on-trade and off- trade buyers, The Spirits Experience promises to be a highlight of the drinks section. Each brand will have the opportunity to engage with key buyers in a highly personalised setting, helping to elevate their profile and leave a lasting impression. From artisan gins to bold new international whiskies, this is a unique platform for spirits brands to differentiate themselves in a competitive market. IFE unveils esteemed line-up of Ambassadors New for 2025’s edition of the show, IFE has revealed a line-up of industry icons as ambassadors for the event, steering its direction and seminar programme and promoting the event to their audiences. “We are thrilled to have such an esteemed group of ambassadors on board for Food, Drink & Hospitality Each section at IFE is carefully curated to represent the latest trends and demands within its category. Whether exhibitors are introducing cutting-edge frozen meals, indulgent confectioneries, or craft bakery products, IFE’s dedicated show sections ensure that brands are positioned in front of the most relevant audiences. The Frozen Food and Speciality Food sections remain standout features of the show, with the invaluable support of associations such as the British Frozen Food Federation and media partners such as Speciality Food Magazine . With increasing consumer interest in premium frozen products and the need for convenience without sacrificing quality, IFE provides a platform for companies to showcase their latest innovations. These sections have become a launchpad for brands looking to captivate buyers with their creative offerings. IFE is also delighted to be continuing its partnership with the Fresh Produce Consortium, which saw the launch of a new Fresh Produce Section at the 2024 edition of the show. IFEhas beenourmost successful exhibition to date. Aworthwhile three days of premium-quality industry exposure DARREN CHESHIRE, BUYER, INTERNATIONAL PROCUREMENT & LOGISTICS LTD