Returning for the sixth consecutive year, Free From/Functional Food Expo heads north, to Stockholm.
Free From/Functional Food Expo is Europe’s annual trade-only event for the free from and functional food market. The sector has grown exponentially over the last few years - and the outlook is more positive than ever, with an explosion of new brands, products and ingredients.
Over 275 producers and manufacturers will showcase their latest products and innovations. Both retail and food service buyers from across Europe will be visiting – over 4,000 are expected. In addition, the extensive conference schedule features 55 specialist key speakers.
Trend Alert
Veganism has led the way over the last year. Partly thanks to health-conscious millennials and partly thanks to increased publicity campaigns such as Veganuary in the UK - and global websites such as veganevenhub. The US have seen a 500% increase in veganism since 2014 and the UK a 360% increase in the last ten years.
To meet this new demand, plant-based alternatives have exploded. Products with vegan claims have risen 32% during 2016-2017 in the US and 39% of Europeans are buying vegetarian options, a 26% increase over the last three years.
Dairy alternatives are also set to continue their upward trajectory. No longer consumed only by those who are lactose free or vegan, these alternatives are perceived as the healthier option. Walnut, cashew and hazelnut milks are new additions to the market.
Making up the majority of the free from sector, gluten free welcomes new flours and flour substitutes. Ancient grains, green banana, mushroom flour and algae are ones to watch. New for FFFE 2018, is an award sponsored by Association of European Coeliac Societies, (AOECS), in conjunction with International Coeliac Day on May 16th.
Functional food remains a fast-growing section. Vitamins, probiotics, nutritional and food supplements, protein and sports nutrition will be represented across the show floor.
Around the World
The free from trend is flourishing globally - ‘free from’ is officially fashionable.
Returning this year is the FINPRO pavilion. They will showcase ten Finnish companies and run a half day seminar in co-operation with Nordic Food and Taste Centre from Sweden (on Taste and Technology).
From further afield, we are delighted to host the Korea Pavilion again, organised by the Trade Expo in Seoul. Asia is seeing increasing growth in the free from sector – particularly with dairy alternatives and products based on rice.
Producers and suppliers from around the world have signed up to the two-day free from extravaganza including; Italy, Germany, The Netherlands, the UK, Israel, Australia, USA and Chile.
- Lazy Vegan: vegan snacks – The Netherlands
- Bute Island Foods ‘Sheese’: dairy free and vegan cheese – UK
- Carmit: free from, natural, healthy snacks – Israel
- Beneo: functional ingredients – Germany
- Natural Food: free from, organic and vegan bread – Italy
- QNT: vegan, whey, lactose and sugar free protein – Belgium
New for 2018: Theme Tours
Show organiser Expo Business Communications, is introducing guided tours highlighting the most innovative free from and functional products. With the aid of a high-tech headset, visitors will be personally introduced to exhibitors best matching their interests. You can select from four tours: free from food, ingredients, lactose and dairy free or functional food.
Ronald Holman, Exhibition Director, said: "More than a trade show - Free From/Functional Food Expo is the ultimate free from experience. Suppliers and buyers can exchange information, share experiences, make new contacts and build international relationships - as well as keep up to date on the latest products and trends that shape this fast-growing sector. This is a great year to be part of this exciting and growing trade show with so much on offer. There is no better time to exhibit or visit."
Free From/Functional Food Expo 2018 takes place on May 16th and 17th at Kistamassan Exhibition Center, Stockholm, Sweden. The exhibition opens each day at 10am and closes at 5pm. For all the latest updates on what's happening visit www.freefromfoodexpo.com or on Twitter @FreeFromFood18. Pre-Registration for a Free Badge is now open at: www.freefromfoodexpo.com
For further information please contact:
Chris Gottschalk or Daniela Pinochet at Expo Business Communications BV
T: +31 76 20 50 501
Twitter: @FreeFromFood18
LinkedIn: Free From Functional Food/ Ingredients Expo 2018
Facebook: Free From Functional Food/ Ingredients Expo
