IFE 2025 showcases innovative products and industry trends at Excel London
The 2025 edition of International Food & Drink Event (IFE) concluded successfully with thousands of products displayed and significant business networking opportunities for food scientists and industry professionals across retail, wholesale and hospitality sectors.
IFE, a premier sourcing and networking event, attracted thousands of food and drink industry professionals to Excel London from 17-19 March as part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week. The event served as a crucial platform for examining emerging food technologies, ingredient innovations and scientific advancements across multiple product categories.
Product innovation and scientific developments
The Startup Market featured several scientifically innovative products, including cricket protein burgers from Wriggle, representing advancements in alternative protein development. All the Aunties showcased their paneer products, while Krocus & Co. presented a premium saffron tea range highlighting botanical extraction techniques.
International products making their UK market entry included Di Marco Pinsa Romana, Hot Chip, French tacos from Frima, and CANS’ new soft drink formulations. The Fynoderee Distillery launched an Isle of Man gin exclusively at the event, while Action Foods introduced a new premium range called The Smiling Cook.
“Attending IFE in London was a great experience as usual, allowing us to explore emerging trends, connect with key industry players, and discover exciting innovations in the market,” said Harneet Arora, Director at A&A Distribution Ltd.
Scientific discourse and industry insights
The Future Food stage hosted discussions on critical scientific topics affecting the food industry. Public health expert Dolly van Tulleken delivered a keynote addressing how evidence-based food policy changes can create measurable health benefits, improve nutritional outcomes and reduce healthcare system pressures.
Panel discussions examined online shopping data as predictive analytics for food trend forecasting, the scientific impact of accelerators and incubators on product development, and the ongoing classification debate surrounding ultra-processed foods and their perception among consumers.
Jean Rossignol, Senior Buyer Dairy & Beverage at Classic Fine Foods, noted: “Once again, such a diverse range of brands at IFE this year. So much variety and choice and beautiful products and new tech. The speakers and panel discussions were really insightful too.”
Strategic industry partnerships
IFE established significant industry partnerships, including an exclusive Meet the Buyer event with Tesco for food and drink brands, and a special lunch with travel buyers in collaboration with TickEat, demonstrating the event’s role in facilitating market access for producers.
Jonas Garcia, Managing Director of La Colombia, commented: “I had a great time at IFE, looking for new suppliers for international buyers and importers. The show hosted a mix of brands across different sectors, all in one place, making it easy to discover new products.”
The 2026 edition of IFE will take place from 30 March to 1 April at Excel London, alongside IFE Manufacturing, The Pub Show, HRC, Hospitality Tech 360, and International Salon Culinaire.
- For more information, visit: ife.co.uk
