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Focusing on global product innovation and welcoming some of the leading buyers in the industry, The International Food & Drink Event (IFE) 2017 is both the largest show of its kind in the UK, and at the forefront of predicting future food trends. Following the explosion in healthy eating trends across the industry in the last few years, IFE is again hosting a section dedicated entirely to Health & Wellbeing.

Buyers will be spoilt for choice at IFE 2017, which will showcase a diverse range of the latest product innovations. Just a few examples are Gato & Co (N2260) who aim to revolutionise desserts with a range of puddings which are less than 220 calories per pot, made with natural, nutrient-rich ingredients and free from gluten, dairy and refined sugar. Mighty Bee (N2434) produce 100% organic coconut water, coconut meat and jerky, whilst The Nude Spoon (N2271) will showcase organic, dairy-free ice cream sweetened with coconut sugar and packed full of nutritious ingredients to create a range of flavours such as creamy coffee, salted caramel and rich chocolate.

Moving from produce to cooking essentials, The DressQuerade Sauce Co. (N2343) will showcase a range of versatile and delicious sauces, dressings and marinades made from raw blends of 70%+ fresh fruit and vegetables. Crofts Avocado Oil (N2525) will exhibit their 100% natural and gluten free oil, which is ideal for general healthy living and a great ingredient for cooking nutritious dishes.

IFE is also proud to unveil two brand new speaker stages – the Talking Trends stage and the Big Picture theatre. The Talking Trends stage will focus on innovation and key food & drink trends, with talks such as ‘Why would a top restaurant want to go Gluten and Dairy Free?’ with Dominic Teague, Executive Chef from One Aldwych, on Tuesday 21 March and ‘Good Fats vs. Bad Fats’ with Bee Wilson, food writer and historian, on Wednesday 22 March.

The Big Picture theatre will tackle the hard-hitting issues facing the industry in these challenging times. There will be a range of topics such as ‘Plates Over Pills’ with medical practitioner Dr Rupy Aujla from The Doctor’s Kitchen who will discuss the benefit of good nutrition over medication on Sunday 19 March. While ‘The Sugar Debate’ will be held on Tuesday 21 March with Food Industry expert Jane Milton, along with Richard Hall, Chairman from Zenith Global and Tim Rycroft, Director of Corporate Affairs from the Food & Drink Federation.

Also new for this year, IFE 2017 has introduced the “trend trail”, which lets buyers walk a dedicated path throughout the event allowing them to discover the latest products and suppliers across a range of categories including ‘free-from’.

Event Director, Soraya Gadelrab comments: “IFE 2017 is in prime position to identify the healthiest forthcoming trends of 2017, such as purple produce which features increasingly on contemporary menus due to both its nutritional value and vibrant colour. Consumers are turning to flexitarian diets, encouraged by major supermarket retailers who are trying to make meat free alternatives more accessible. We’re also seeing alternative proteins gaining traction with consumers as the industry continues to position them in progressively appealing ways as the market evolves. At IFE 2017, you can discover all the emerging health trends that will lead the way for the year ahead. Over 1,350 suppliers choose to exhibit at the event, which runs across four days from the 19 to 22 March at ExCeL London, so it’s the ideal place to discover the newest innovations that will be driving growth in this market.”

With nine easy to navigate sections, insight from leading industry professionals and cooking demonstrations from some of the most respected chefs in the industry, whether you’re a retailer, chef, manufacturer, wholesaler or distributor, IFE is the only place to be to ensure you stay one step ahead of the food and drink curve. For further information visit the IFE website (www.ife.co.uk).