Confectionery in the mix for this year’s IFE London event
A range of British, European and global confectionery companies are forming part of this week’s IFE food and drink event which opens its doors today at the Excel Centre in London, UK, writes Neill Barston.
The show, which runs until March 27, has now been operating for more than 45 years, has targeted the retail and hospitality sector, with hundreds of new products and ranges launching at the show and industry leaders.
According to the event’s organisers, this year’s show consists of 14 distinct food & drink zones, including sections dedicated to bakery and confectionery, which also has new additions in the form of a zone for hot beverages.
This year’s event is also set to welcome exhibitors from more than 60 countries, showcasing hundreds of innovative global products, including Turkey, Thailand, France, Sri Lanka, China, Ecuador, Hungary and Cyprus.
Among those appearing at the event will be Halba, specialising in the production of Swiss chocolate, alongside innovative snacks such as nuts and dried fruits, and a selection of baking and cooking ingredients with unique flavours designed to enhance special moments of enjoyment.
In collaboration with its partners, the company develops products that consistently meet the most discerning of quality requirements. Its on-trend Swiss chocolates and snacks are crafted with passion, skill, and innovative thinking, catering to a range of tastes and preferences.
Meanwhile, the House of Sarunds is renowned for its extensive knowledge and experience in the wholesale chocolate business. Established in 1987, the company has carved a niche in importing and distributing chocolates and confectionery both nationally and internationally. The company offers a comprehensive selection of premium British and Belgian chocolates available to the independent retail and food service sectors.
Operating from five warehouses in Blandford Forum, Dorset, it processes and supplies over 3,000 confectionery products from more than 100 suppliers to a diverse range of clients including retailers, hotel chains, restaurants, and cruise ships.
Another British company present this week will be Infin8 Brands UK EU Ltd, as a producer, wholesaler, and distributor of confectionery and beverages. Its portfolio includes gummy candies, lollipops, creamy toffees, soft marshmallows, Turkish delights, and more, ensuring there’s something to suit every preference.
Other brands to watch out for this week include La Chocolaterie Galler, operating since the 1970s, delivering high-quality products such as filled chocolate bars, solid and filled tablets, pralines, spreads, and small Easter eggs. Committed to ethical and sustainable practices, since 2020, all its cocoa is Fairtrade certified, and the company has established a partnership with the Yeyasso cooperative in sustainable agro-forestry projects.
For its part, Turkish-based Fora Sweets has been committed to offering its consumers distinctive and delightful tastes through its innovative spirit, young and dynamic structure for more than 15 years. Under its Sweeto brand, its ranges include over 300 types of marshmallows, jellies, and liquorice.
Finally, William Santus & Co. Ltd (Uncle Joe’s) will be returning to the event showcasing its traditional confectionery that it has been making in Lancashire for more than a century. The company offers a wide array of products distributed worldwide. Its hallmark product, Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls, is still produced using the original method from 1898, featuring three natural ingredients cooked over open gas fires, maintaining the quality of nineteenth-century sweets.
This year’s IFE takes place alongside IFE Manufacturing, The Pub Show, HRC and International Salon Culinaire as part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week. To register for this year’s event, visit ife.co.uk.