Food Ingredients Europe is just one week away in Frankfurt, and it promises to be a significant event for both F&B professionals and innovative startups in the food ingredients sector. We spoke with Yannick Verry, Brand Director of Food Ingredients, to preview what makes this event unique and what attendees can expect.
What sets Food Ingredients Europe apart from other global food and nutrition innovation events?
Fi Europe is unique as Europe’s premier event dedicated exclusively to food ingredients. It is part of a global series with ten Fi events across the world. As the flagship event in Europe, it draws leading industry players and top experts.
The event highlights the critical role of the ingredient supply chain—a pivotal stage between raw production and manufacturing—where much of a product’s nutritional value is developed.
What emerging trends in food ingredients can attendees look forward to exploring?
While many trends reveal themselves on-site, several key themes are expected to shape this year’s event:
- Affordability: Ensuring food products remain affordable is increasingly critical as ingredient costs continue to vary.
- Sustainability and health: The industry is steadily focused on combining eco-friendly practices with health benefits.
- Innovative technologies: New advancements, such as precision fermentation and cultivated meats, are redefining what’s possible in food ingredients.
How do new spaces like the expanded Food Technology area and the Petfood Suppliers Hub address industry demands?
- Food Technology Area: This space highlights innovations in food processing that boost production efficiency while enhancing product quality. Although Fi Europe is not primarily focused on machinery, the interest from food companies is evident, as many are eager to present their latest advancements. This area fosters valuable interactions between exhibitors, connecting food processors with ingredient providers to spark new collaborations.
- Petfood Suppliers Hub: New this year, Fi Europe introduces a dedicated zone for pet food ingredients and manufacturing solutions. Rising attendee interest in this sector has driven its creation. With a third of exhibitors already offering pet food ingredients, this space helps visitors quickly identify relevant products and showcases the sustainable use of by-products across food and pet food industries.
How will the new Tasting Bar enhance engagement between exhibitors and attendees?
The Tasting Bar brings an interactive experience to Fi Europe. As an ingredient show, it can be hard for attendees to imagine the taste an ingredient can deliver. By sampling finished products that feature these ingredients, buyers get a clearer sense of their flavour and potential applications.
Are there any standout projects or breakthrough innovations to watch for?
Fi Europe brings innovation from all sides, with both big corporations and smaller companies unveiling groundbreaking concepts. Products launched at the event often reach shelves within 3 to 4 years, positioning Fi Europe as essential for exploring food’s future.
What role does Fi Europe play in fostering industry partnerships and opportunities?
Fi Europe is a key meeting point for the industry, bringing together manufacturers, suppliers, startups, and organisations to foster collaborations. Key areas like country pavilions and specialised commodity sectors offer targeted networking opportunities. In addition, platforms such as EIT Food Accelerator give startups valuable exposure, helping to strengthen the overall food innovation ecosystem.
What’s in store for startups at FI this year ?
This year, the Fi Europe Startup Challenge will showcase 20 finalists competing in categories such as plant-based solutions or digital services. The winners will be revealed on Tuesday. The competition offers startups valuable exposure, networking with industry leaders, and the chance to connect with potential partners. It helps them accelerate their growth in the food and beverages sector.
For a great overview of the competition check out the 2024 Fi Europe Startup Challenge eMag.
Additionally, you can find out who the finalists are this year here.
How is Food Ingredients Europe working toward sustainability and environmental responsibility?
Fi Europe has taken several steps toward sustainability, including:
Environmental Initiatives:
- Eco-friendly travel: Partnering with Deutsche Bahn to encourage train travel for attendees, offering stable ticket prices to help reduce travel emissions.
- Sustainable booth design: Fi Europe aims for all exhibition stands to be reusable or resizable by 2025, with 80% already meeting this target. Guidelines are in place to promote more sustainable booth practices, including the use of eco-friendly materials.
Social Initiatives:
- Fair supply chain: Collaborations with organisations like Solidaridad ensure fair wages and good working conditions for farmers in industries such as coffee, cocoa, and tea.
- Empowering women : The Women in nutraceutical initiatives organises networking events and sessions to support women’s leadership in the industry. One example is a networking breakfast on Wednesday, the 19th, during the event.
- Tackling food waste : Additionally, the Frankfurter Tafel organisation collects leftover food from the event, helping reduce waste and redistribute non-perishable items to those in need.
If you are a startup exhibiting at a Food trade show soon, check out our top tips here to make the most of your experience !