IFE Worldwide is gearing up for another significant year in international food events following on from three eventful shows world wide in 2008.

Three shows in Russia, Hungary and India represented a huge year for IFE Worldwide as it gears up for shows in London, next month, and Poland in May.

IFE Fresh Produce in Russia attracted 66 exhibitors from 16 countries and approximately 1100 visitors attended the 3-day show last year. More than 70 companies took part in the Wholesale Centre hosted by the Washington Apple Commission (WAC) and 11 retailers took part in Meet the Retailer Forum including Metro Cash & Carry and X5 Retail group.

Irina Koziy of the WAC, said: “Despite the small scale of the show its results were rather significant. Our WAC representative was able to meet with Purchasing Managers of the largest Russian retail chains, talk with regional fresh produce buyers and specialists of a number fruits importers.”

IFE Foodapest took place at the Hungexpo Budapest Fair Centre in Hungary and drew 294 exhibitors from 24 countries, 23 media partners, and support from eight leading international trade associations as well as buyers from Tesco, Metro, Spar, Auchan, Co-op, Globus, Astoria and Ramada all attended.

IFE India took place at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi just a week after the terrorist attacks took place in Mumbai in early December. Some 223 exhibitors from 29 countries exhibited with almost 6,000 visitors. Key attractions included the Business Clinic, India Wine Challenge, Guided Wine Tastings, and Sommelier Training. The organisers have released the official visitor figure of 5,652 trade only attendees.

Devan Manek, of the Earth Network, said: “IFE India has been very successful for us with lots of serious buyers. One of the best shows we have exhibited at, by both volume of people and the quality of leads with buyers making purchases directly at the show.”

Innovation Live will debut at IFE09 in London, the never before seen interactive experience that will showcas new innovations that have been independently sourced by Mintel’s Global New Product Development Team.

Innovation Live will enable visitors to see, touch and even taste a slice of true innovation. One-on-one tutored tastings to really give visitors an insight into the true flavour of all the unique and inspirational products on show - ambient, chilled and prepared items included - will take place throughout the event. All the products will be accompanied by in-depth supporting information from the ingredients and nutritional content to distribution details plus insight from the organisation’s team of experienced industry consultants.

The IFE Worldwide host IFE 09 at the Excel, London from 15-18 March 2009, and IFE Poland which takes place at Expo XXI from 20-22 May 2009.

Topics