Consumers are increasingly looking for better nutritional & ethical balance in their diets
Food for healthy ageing populations, sports nutrition, food to stimulate specific body function and cognitive performance and to aid recovery from illness are some of the recurring topics at this year’s event in Amsterdam, June 24-25.
Record Veganuary
The conference will have five stages covering; Free From Retail; Healthy Food; Vegan; Supplier and Free From Plastic Packaging, with exhibitors from 57 countries.
“With many consumers seeking to achieve better nutritional and ethical balance in their diets, the Free From sector continues its meteoric rise,” said Ronald Holman, event director, FFF&HI.
“This year’s exhibition reflects the rapid evolution of the marketplace and showcases the latest trends, insight and new products entering the market.
“The growth of plant-based alternatives for meat lovers will continue to have a significant presence at this year’s expo. This is set to continue as meat reduction remains one of the prevailing trends in food and drink.
“Similarly, there is a focus on other ‘replacements’ that deliver healthier alternatives, as well as Low Carb, Slow Carb and other Diet Food Solutions.”
He added, the plant-based revolution continues and 2020’s Veganuary broke records with more than 400,000 sign-ups.
The past 12 months have also witnessed ‘a bumper selection of new product launches’ on supermarket shelves and ‘expanded plant-based offerings’ appearing on fast food chain menus.
Gregg’s vegan sausage roll
For example, Gregg’s launched a vegan sausage roll last year, which it says has contributed to its 13.5% year-on-year sales increase.
The meat-free snack was made available in 950 of its stores to coincide with Veganuary, developed with a vegetable oil-based pastry and a "bespoke Quorn filling".
Thanks to its success it then rolled the launch out to 1,950 UK Gregg's branches by March 2019 as well as a ‘Vegan Sausage Roll Finder’ app.
Holman said at FFF&HI this ongoing demand for meat and dairy free is supported by its exhibitor line up, where almost half of the exhibitors are presenting vegan ranges and the latest ingredients.
Euromonitor, will also be giving two presentations: ‘Unpackaging Vegetarianism in Europe: How Different is Western and Eastern Europe When it Comes to Vegetarian Packaged Food?’ and ‘Traditions vs. Innovations: How New Dairy Trends Affect Lactose Free Products.’
Registration for the show is now open. Tickets are free of charge until May 22, after this date tickets will cost €30.
