A broad range of snacks, confectionery and wider industry businesses will be unveiling their latest offerings at this year’s International Food & Drink Event, making its return to the ExCel Centre, reports Neill Barston.

Visitor registration has now opened for the showcase, which takes place between 20-22 March, connecting retailers, wholesalers and hospitality professionals with quality suppliers to the trade, as the sector looks to shake off a particularly challenging period of trade within the UK.

Among businesses appearing at this year’s event will be Lancashire’s Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls, which this year celebrates its 125th anniversary, as well as snacks series from bakery and confectionery group, Bridor, Dina snacks, Hackney Gelato, Orion Confectionery, Jordan-based Nafeeseh sweets, as well as Takis, linked to major Mexican confectionery business, Group Bimbo, as well as ethically-focused Up-Up Chocolate, all offering intriguing specialities.

The show will once again take place alongside IFE Manufacturing, Hotel, Restaurant & Catering (HRC) and International Salon Culinaire as the UK’s largest gathering of food, drink and hospitality professionals, with MHP Food UK Ltd as Official Show Sponsor.

In addition to food & drink from across the UK, suppliers representing more than 50 countries are already on aboard to take part in the March 2023 event including products from the United States, the UAE, Sri Lanka, Mexico, India and a host of European nations.

Visitors will have the opportunity to see and sample products first-hand, meet the minds behinds innovative brands, discover new trends and invest in the growing product categories set to define the future of retail.

James Hague, Relationship Director – Food and Drink Manufacturing at Barclays, said of the 2022 event: “IFE and IFE Manufacturing are continued evidence of how important the food sector is, and the breadth of ongoing innovation designed to meet future supply chain and environmental needs. The event really pressed home the development happening at pace within the industry, and allowed me to speak directly to many companies directly on their key challenges and opportunities.”

A new addition for 2023 is the Sustainability Stage, sponsored by Elopak, which will see retailers, industry experts and leaders in food & drink taking deep dives into key issues within this complex and diverse topic, from packing and processing to product sourcing to the way that businesses are run.

IFE 2023 will also feature the all-new Startup Market, featuring some of the most exciting up-and-coming businesses from the show, and a New Product Tasting Theatre, giving distributors and suppliers a chance to showcase their products and provide samples for buyers attending the event.

The Trends & Innovation Platform will see leading figures in the food & drink retail space share their expertise, insights and strategies for future business growth and enhancing the customer experience. Numerous sessions across the three days of the event will take a deep dive into the most crucial opportunities and challenges facing the food & drink retail community and provide actionable guidance and insights for industry professionals at the event.

FDF’s Head of Industry Growth, Caroline Keohane, said: “IFE and IFE Manufacturing bring together a stellar range of events and speakers to showcase the opportunities and challenges across our sector. With such a vast range of companies and products on show, it’s the perfect chance to build the networks and find the leads to grow your business.” For registration to the attend the event, which is free, contact  ife.co.uk.