Five reasons not to miss IFE 2024

Returning to ExCeL London from 25-27 March, IFE is set to bring together a diverse mix of UK and international food & drink suppliers.

The three-day event offers a wealth of opportunities for learning, networking, and discovering the latest products and innovations in the industry.

Whether you’re a retailer, wholesaler, or hospitality professional, IFE 2024 is an unparalleled platform for sourcing products, gaining insights, and connecting with the UK and international food and drink community.

Here are just five reasons not to miss this year’s IFE:

1. Celebrating startups and exciting new products

New product innovation is always at the heart of IFE and this year is no different, with the Startup Market once again a must-visit for anyone interested in exciting up-and-coming brands and inspiring entrepreneurs.

The New Products Tasting Theatre at IFE is a bustling hub of new product tastings, demos and pitches from innovative startups. Across the three days of the show various exciting brands from the show’s Startup Market will have the opportunity to pitch their product to a live audience, host tastings and answer any buyer questions in person.

Plus, the New Products Tasting Theatre will be host to several Distributor Discovery Hours, where wholesale brands including Bidfood and Sysco will be showcasing some of the most unique brands in their ranges.

2. Decades at the forefront of food innovation

For over 45 years, IFE has been an essential resource for product sourcing. This show has consistently provided a stage for the latest products from both the UK and around the globe, offering insights into upcoming trends in the food and drink sector.

Countless retailers, wholesalers, hospitality professionals and more are already registered to attend this year’s event, including Country Range Group category buyer Viki Wilkinson, who says: “It’s important that we attend IFE to meet new suppliers and keep our member wholesalers’ offerings fresh and up to date. It’s also great to keep forging relationships with our long-standing existing suppliers that we can visit at the show too.”

Jean Rossignol, senior buyer at Classic Fine Foods, adds: “I visit IFE to look for new products, meet partners and customers, learn about new trends and products…and taste great food!”

3. Reflecting the diversity of the sector

IFE has expanded its offering for the industry with 14 dynamic food & drink zones in 2024, including the new Cheese Pavilion and the Fresh Produce Section in partnership with the Fresh Produce Consortium.

Nigel Jenney, chief executive of the Fresh Produce Consortium, says: “It brings me immense pleasure and pride to announce a groundbreaking collaboration between the Fresh Produce Consortium and IFE. Fresh produce is a central part of the global food & drink industry, and this partnership recognises the transformative potential that both our organisations hold within the global food industry.”

4. Insightful industry debate

The Future Food stage is set to host discussions with leading industry figures, covering a range of topics from start-up advice to sustainability best practices and emerging trends in food and drink retail.

Day two of the show will include a day of content on the Future Food Stage curated by IGD and covering everything from economic forecasts for food & drink retail, sustainability, health, learnings international retail and an exclusive case study with a key IGD client.

Sarah Baldock, marketing and communications director at IGD, says: “As IFE’s Insight Partner we can’t wait to welcome the industry to ExCeL London for Food, Drink & Hospitality Week. IGD will be taking to the Future Food stage to offer retailers and suppliers a wealth of insight to help them identify opportunities over the coming year and beyond.

“Our combined team of retail, shopper, health, sustainability and economics experts look forward to helping delegates get closer to the UK market within an international context, and our exhibition stand on the show floor will offer a space for those vital one-on-one conversations. We’re delighted to be partnering with IFE this year to help delegates get the most out of their visit. We look forward to seeing you there!”

5. Products from around the world

With exhibitors from over 50 countries, IFE 2024 presents a unique opportunity to explore global products and establish international networks. The event will feature country pavilions from Turkey, Thailand, France, Sri Lanka, China, Ecuador, Hungary, and Cyprus, among others.

Plus, the show’s Exporters Hub will be home to a number of sessions aimed at food & drink brands aspiring to export and international buyers looking to meet with UK brands. This year the hub will see organisations including the UK Government, the Food & Drink Exporters Association, the Institute of Export & International Trade and the Food & Drink Export Council sharing insights and best practice on topics including sustainable export, reaching international customers, international online selling, overseas marketing strategies, navigating the UK/EU border and much more.

IFE 2024 is more than just an exhibition; it’s a comprehensive platform for immersing yourself in the world of food & drink, enhancing your offerings, and forging new business connections for future growth and success.

Join us at IFE 2024, which takes place alongside IFE Manufacturing, The Pub Show, HRC, and International Salon Culinaire as part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week, the UK’s biggest celebration of industry innovation. Discover more about this year’s event and register for your complimentary trade ticket at ife.co.uk.

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