Setting the stage for a new era of conscious consumption: Free From Food 2023 returns to Amsterdam
Registration is now open for the forthcoming Free From Food 2023 which returns to the RAI Amsterdam from 21-22 November 2023.
With the European free-from food market poised to grow at a CAGR of 8.7% by 20271, over 4000 visitors – including retailers, traders, manufacturers, and technologists – are expected to descend on the two-day event, in search of innovative new products and inspiration from over 350 specialist exhibitors from more than 46 different countries.
Rewarding the industry
New for 2023, the legendary Captain of the Category award – organised by the Food Personality and Trade Marketing Association (TMA) which rewards leading suppliers to the retail industry – will take place on the show floor for the first time. Aimed at category managers, as well as retail and trade marketeers, the award is well-known to those operating within the European food and drink industry. Also recognising excellence in the industry, the Healthy Innovation Award will return to celebrate outstanding innovations within the health ingredients sector. Organised by Foodlog, the winners of these awards will be announced during a prestigious awards ceremony on 21 November 2023, demonstrating the industry’s commitment to excellence and progress.
In addition, the Gezonde Innovatie Award – jointly sponsored by retailers Aldi, Albert Heijn and Jumbo – will be a central feature of the exhibition this year. The award will showcase an array of new and innovative health food products in the Innovation Gallery, highlighting the importance of promoting health ingredients as well as providing a platform for emerging brands and products to gain visibility.
Adapting to consumer requirements
Over the past fifty years, there has been a huge shift in attitudes towards food and drink. Europe’s market is increasingly organic, free-from and plant-based, with the vegan food sector expected to grow from $29.19 billion in 2027 at a CAGR of 12.4%2. Some of the driving factors behind this include sustainability (30%), animal welfare (22%) and technology advancement (20%), meaning consumers are now looking for produce that meets these requirements.
At this year’s event, a diverse range of exhibitors, covering current food industry trends including free- from, plant-based, vegan, healthy, organic, functional and health ingredients, will showcase their innovative and exciting products that align with consumer dietary preferences, health goals, and ethical values.
These include Caremoli, a trailblazer in the free-from category, who will highlight its variety of gluten- free ingredients that can be used in a wide range of applications, as well as Vitae Slow Drinks with its authentic plant-based, vegan kombucha that is later flavoured by macerating fruits, plants, spices and/or roots. In addition, De Smaakspecialist is also exhibiting, showcasing its range of products of which 97.5% have no added refined sugars and 90% are also vegan.
Also addressing the importance of conscious and health-focused consumption, Free From Food 2023 will invite a line-up of expert speakers to take to the stage in the Free From Retail, Vegan & Plant- Based and Supplier & Insights Conference Theatres. Here, attendees will be privy to a topical agenda, encompassing a wide range of presentations and panel discussions which equip them with actionable strategies to drive business forward in a highly competitive and rapidly evolving market. More details of the educational programme will be unveiled in the coming weeks.
Speaking about this year’s event, Ronald Holman, Event Director, said: “The free-from category is no longer considered a ‘fad’. Global demand is rising for products that suit changing consumer needs. We’re expecting the Free From Food 2023 event in Amsterdam to be a resounding success, bringing together industry leaders and professionals to collaborate as we shape the future of this exciting, dynamic and booming industry. As the event draws nearer, we’re looking forward to welcoming both exhibitors and visitors to celebrate innovation, promote health and sustainability, and set the stage for a new era of conscious consumption.”
Free From Food 2023 returns to the RAI Amsterdam from 21-22 November 2023.
- For more information and to register to attend, visit: https://amsterdam.freefromfoodexpo.com/visiting/
References
1 https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/europe-free-from-food-market
2 https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vegan-food-global-market-report-2023-301745495.html
