Don’t miss out on the UK’s largest and most prestigious food and drink event when it opens its doors on 19 and 20 November at ExCeL London.
With a focus on fast-changing consumer trends, increased government legislation and emerging business opportunities, Food Matters Live is an unmissable event for anyone working in the beverage sector.
More than 15,000 people are expected over the two-day cross-sector event, which includes live demonstrations, new business opportunities, an ambitious seminar programme and innovative technology.
Pioneering Tech
Two years on from the controversial sugar reduction programme and a year on from the introduction of the calorie reduction programme, innovators have been quick to respond with pioneering new sugar reducing solutions for beverages.
In the Innovative Ingredients Live theatre Mike Bagshaw, owner and founder of International Taste Solutions, will be demonstrating how his new technology can cut sugar content by up to 50% with no impact on flavour or texture.
Discussing the broader impact of government sugar and calorie regulation on the drinks industry, industry insiders and regulatory bodies will be speaking at the Food Matters Live Seminar Programme.
Chaired by Sally-Ann Krzyzaniak (head of regional scientific and regulatory affairs, EMEA, PureCircle Limited) panel speakers include Amy Glass (senior advisor at the Food and Drink Federation), Cathy Capelin (strategic insight director at Kantar World Panel UK) and Victoria Targett (team leader – Sugar/ Calorie Reduction, Public Health England).
And, as the drinks sector grapples with an 18% drop in alcohol consumption since 2004, Chris Fung (former CEO of Crussh Fit Food), Meeta Gournay (founder and CEO of Three Spirit), and Matt Mullock (client director at CGA) will be examining the consequence for the industry and new demands for low-alcohol, gluten-free beers, natural low-sugar sports drinks and healthier juices.
Future Brands
Producing innovative products off the back of these changing consumer demands was one of the criteria looked for by the UK Future Brands judging panel.
Winning beverage companies include Drynks Unlimited, whose founder saw a gap in the market and uses a pioneering distillation process to de-alcoholise full-strength drinks that taste just as good.
As social media influencers push growing consumer interest in healthier, better-for-you products, the market for new alternative drinks like kombucha, naturally sweetened water, CBD infused beverages, and birch water is booming.
Other UK Future Brands winners include vegan kombucha and probiotic soft drinks made by Genie Living Drinks, botanical CBD infused beverages produced by Cannasa and Jitterbug Sparkling Tonics, which bridges the gap between functional drinks and premium soft drinks.
Business opportunities
New business and networking opportunities are at the heart of Food Matters Live 2019. For entrepreneurs with a creative idea for a new drink product and perhaps looking to enter next year’s UK Future Brands competition, the team from DrinkPreneur will also be on hand to guide and inspire with essential information about the beverage industry.
And the Match – Meet the Buyer service offers delegates pre-arranged one-to-one meetings with buyer, manufacturers and distributors including Britvic, CAMRA, Fortnum & Mason, Harrods, Innocent Drinks, Marston’s Pubs and Bars, Molson Coors Brewing Co, PepsiCo, Tata Global Beverages and more.
There’s still time to register for ‘Match – Meet the Buyer’. Visit www.foodmatterslive.com/2019 for more information.
