FOOD BUSINESS GULF & ME July-Sept 2019 | Page 22

FFF&HI REVIEW 20 F ree From Functional & Health Ingredients (FFF&HI) broke records when it welcomed more than 7,800 key buyers and decision makers from the free from food, drink and sustainable packaging industries through its doors in Barcelona from 28-29 May. Now in its seventh year, this staggering 52% increase on visitor numbers reflects the dynamic growth and development of the global free from market and cements the show as Europe's leading platform for the free from industries. Visitors took advantage of the unique platform the show provides, informing and inspiring decision makers from the world of retail, ingredients, wholesale, distribution and foodservice with a packed schedule of conference sessions, pioneering brands and products plus multiple networking opportunities. Leading the field Five core areas of the free from market; free from, vegan, natural and organic, functional and health ingredients were represented across four conference stages with insights from key speakers. Highlights from the packed conference schedule revealed the latest data covering key areas including the 11.5% increase in sales of free from foods across Europe in the past year and the 133% growth of the UK free from market since FFF&HI began in 2013. Show partners, ProVeg International hosted a dedicated vegan area and a series of seminars at the vegan conference stage. Verena Wiederkehr, FOOD BUSINESS GULF & MIDDLE EAST FFF&HI WELCOMES MORE THAN 7,800 KEY BUYERS AND DECISION MAKERS International Head of Food Industry and Retail at ProVeg International revealed the most prominent trends driving the sector including sensory experiences, clean-label products and raw materials, explaining the opportunities for businesses who tap into this buoyant sector. Pioneering exhibitors FFF&HI was the platform for new brands and product launches from those shaping the organic, vegan, functional foods and ingredients markets. On the first day, FFF&HI unveiled the winner of its Product of the Year Awards - a celebration of the most cutting-edge free from food and drink products launched in the past year. Manufacturers and producers put their best innovations for contention to be crowned winner and runner up across three categories, Product of the Year, Best New Brand, Free From Plastics. JULY-SEPTEMBER 2019