Innovation and AI top IFE agenda

For more than 40 years, IFE has been a must-attend trade event for wholesalers, retailers and hospitality workers and this year’s event takes place 25-27 March at ExCeL London

This year, IFE 2024, which forms part of Food, Drink and Hospitality Week, will feature thousands of products from across the UK as well as representation from across the globe, including pavilions from Turkey, Thailand, France, Sri Lanka, Poland, China, Ecuador, Algeria, Hungary and Cyprus.

The Future of Food

IFE’s Future Food stage see FWD host a discussion on putting customers at the heart of wholesale, as well as industry figures taking to the stage such as Co-Op and Ocado, sustainability pioneers such as Abel & Cole and Rubies in the Rubble, and insight partners including Tried & Supplied, IGD, European Food and Farming Partnerships and Avocado Social.

Kelly Orme, Buying Manager – Community Buying at Co-op, will be taking part in a panel discussing ‘Navigating the start-up scene: Advice from those in the know’. She said: “Startups are an important source of innovation and fresh ideas in the food and drink industry. I’m looking forward to joining this panel at IFE 2024 and discussing how retailers can support and mentor suppliers as they scale and further develop their product ranges.”

Ed Ayton, Sustainability & Ethics Advisor, Abel & Cole, is a panellist on the ‘Sustainability pioneers: global food and drink companies setting the standard’ session, said: “Our team always comes back from IFE buzzing with new ideas and networks, so I’m delighted to take part and support the programme.”

On day two, IGD will host content on the Future Food stage, with sessions covering everything from economic forecasts for food & drink retail, sustainability, health, learnings international retail and an exclusive case study with a client of IGD.

“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,” said Sarah Baldock, Marketing and Communications Director, IGD.

“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!”

Trends & Innovation

IFE’s sister event IFE Manufacturing focuses on the world of food & drink product development and this year the show’s Trends & Innovation Platform will play host to a range of discussions on everything from food science to sustainable packaging to the factors that ensure success for start ups.

IFE and IFE Manufacturing take place alongside The Pub Show, HRC and International Salon Culinaire as part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week, the UK’s biggest celebration of industry innovation. To view the show’s full seminar programme visit ife.co.uk/seminar-programme.