International Food & Drink Event (IFE) and sister event IFE Manufacturing return to ExCeL London on 20-22 March 2023 to reunite the industry for three days of key sector insights, unparalleled networking and product sourcing.
Visitors to IFE will have the opportunity to meet directly with over 1,500 quality suppliers from the UK and around the world, representing major product categories including vegan & plant-based, health & wellbeing, chilled & frozen and bakery.
New additions for next year’s event are the Startup Market, a chance for buyers to source brand-new products from up-and-coming businesses, and the New Product Tasting Theatre, where suppliers will have the opportunity to showcase their products in short pitching sessions and longer ‘Discovery Hours’ in which guest chefs will be using supplier products to cook up a storm for visitors to the show.
While ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) has never been more important, factors like the cost-of-living crisis and supply chain challenges have seen delays in progress in the food & drink sector.
As the issue threatens to fall down the agenda, IFE has decided to make sustainability a central focus of the 2023 event, with sessions covering a range of issues under the banner of ESG and gathering together some of the UK’s leading retailers, food & drink brands and sustainability experts to provide clear advice and guidance to the industry.
The show has partnered with the Food & Drink Federation (FDF) to curate the stage content on Tuesday 21 March, and Head of Climate Change & Energy Policy Emma Piercy said: “The FDF is delighted to be partnering with IFE for their inaugural Sustainability Stage at this world class event.
“Global food systems make up around one quarter of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Bringing all stakeholders together and collaborating at IFE is essential to building the resilient and sustainable food systems we need.”
IFE Manufacturing, which focuses on end-to-end food production, will additionally play host to the Trends & Innovation Platform, where product development experts, food & drink brands and packaging and manufacturing leaders will debate the latest developments and opportunities in this constantly evolving sector.
IFE and IFE Manufacturing take place alongside Hotel, Restaurant & Catering (HRC) and The Pub Show @ HRC, bringing together over 25,000 industry professionals across food, drink and hospitality. To learn more, and to register for your complimentary trade ticket, visit ife.co.uk.
