Evolving trends and changing consumer demands continue to lead the way in shaping our food and drink landscape. The International Food & Drink Event 2017 is dedicated to showcasing the full scope of today’s global product innovations. Running from 19 to 22 March at ExCeL London, it’s the place to discover new products from 1,350 food & drink manufacturers and identify a range of future trend predictions.
In 2015, the event saw coconut crisps, coconut water, seaweed and savoury popcorn at the forefront of innovation. Now as we prepare for IFE 2017, we ask what products are going to be driving the industry forward over the next two years?
From aloe vera drinks to immune system boosting juices and smoothies, the functional drinks market is huge and further growth is predicted as consumers become increasingly aware of their physical and psychological needs. The industry can also expect to see a rise in demand for groundbreaking premium adult soft drinks. Exhibiting at IFE for the first time, Equinox Kombucha has created raw, organic sparkling energy drinks full of naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, amino acids and live bacterias – visit stand N1900 to discover their nutritional benefits. For something less tee-total, but still angelic, Twisted Halo is a must see at stand N2145. Fed up with ordering yet another bland vodka, lime and soda, the founder Jess Titcumb started her mission to create great tasting, low calorie alcoholic beverages. The range includes a gently sparkling blend of coconut water twisted with ginger and muddled with premium vodka at just 90 calories per 275ml bottle.
Consumption habits are changing more than ever before and millennials continue to lead the way when it comes to healthy eating and drinking. Cleaner eating is a key trend to look out for and IFE 2017 has a large section dedicated to Health & Wellbeing. New suppliers this year include Nutristrength, founded by two brothers devoted to producing clean living nutritional products. The brand will be showcasing a range of protein powders produced using goat and sheep whey and even peas (stand N2432).
In many categories, industry forecasters expect to see consumers opting for authentic and traditional products, using unadulterated ingredients and locally sourced produce. Discover the Great British & Irish Food section, with a range of artisan products such as Snowflake Gelato at stand N2842. To date, the brand has received 25 Great Taste Gold Stars and was voted the Great Taste Supreme Champion. Free from has already been one of the hottest trends across 2016 and will continue to grow in 2017 with brands launching exciting and innovative products. From avocado oils to dairy-free ice cream, vegan jerky and quinoa crisps, at IFE 2017 buyers can walk a dedicated free from “trend trail” to discover the latest suppliers and products. New for this year, the simple to follow “trend trail” maps will highlight relevant stands to source new and on-trend produce.
Event Director, Soraya Gadelrab commented: “Visitors to IFE 2017 will witness first hand the emerging food & drink trends and the products that will lead the way for 2017. We’re proud that so many of our exhibitors see IFE 2017 as the ideal platform to launch new products and we’re excited to see what’s instore for the year ahead. ”
Top 5 must see products:
Manhood – Beer jellies: Manhood has combined beer with added flavours such as lemon and ginger to create alternatives for glazes or side sauces. (Stand N3010)
Sacoma – Healthy snack bars and crackers made with sweet potato flour. The range also includes sweet potato juice, jams and vine leaves. (Stand N1448)
Fori – Meat protein bar: High in protein and paleo friendly, whilst capturing a world of authentic flavours including chilli beef, moroccan lamb and thai turkey bars. (Stand N1544)
Sygenix – A light, sparkling natural health drink made with green coffee beans, green tea and vitamins. (Stand N2223)
Yumpa – Cricket Flour Power: The natural energy bars are proteinpacked with cricket flour, nuts, dried fruit and seeds (Stand N2262)
IFE
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