Free From Functional Food & Health Ingredients 2019 (FFFHI) is set to showcase the vast potential of the Free From the market, connecting manufacturers, retailers and technologists alike.

Held on 28-29 May at Gran Via in Fira de Barcelona, this year’s event will bring around 350 market-leading exhibitors from 35 countries.

Looking at 2019 and way beyond, the sector’s most important platform will focus on Free From, vegan, organic, functional and health foods and the ingredients that can be utilised in their creation.

Up to 4,500 visitors from the food trade and industry are expected, with attendees able to explore the latest developments in these booming market segments, expand their international networks and enjoy a top-tier conference programme.

The two-day event will allow brand and private label owners and marketers to learn from and be inspired by technology experts in one convenient location.

Manufacturers will be able to gather information about ingredients that can be used to deliver free from foods, beverages and functional products.

Retailers, meanwhile, will be able to see first hand the latest developments in free from, vegan ingredients, alongside natural and organic products that satisfy the ongoing trend towards foods from sustainable and natural sources.

Ronald Holman, Exhibition Director at organiser Expo Business Communications, commented: “Our goal has always been to be the premier meeting place and think tank for retailers, food manufacturers and their suppliers. With free from products especially, consumer demands are growing just as rapidly as the market sector itself: Best taste, a convincing sensory profile and, if possible, ingredients from sustainable sources are required for product success."

International audience

The list of exhibitors includes food producers such as Granarolo (Italy) and Kentaur (Switzerland), ingredient manufacturers such as Cambridge Commodities (UK) and Edlong (Ireland), as well as numerous companies that have both raw materials and end products in their portfolios, such as Molino Nicoli and Molino Favero (Italy).

Visitors will include buyers and category managers from major retailers as well as trend scouts from organic food chains and health food stores.

With its comprehensive approach, FFFHI 2019 reflects the multifaceted, evolving free from market, which is being driven by the fact that consumers with clinically confirmed intolerances and allergies are no longer the only target audience.

According to the European Shopper Survey (IRi 2017), growing numbers of generally health-conscious consumers are now also among the buyers. Vegan products too have long since ended their niche existence and now represent a welcome change for vegetarians and flexitarians.

Indeed, in 2018, the market research institute Mintel reported that the annual number of vegan product launches has tripled in the last five years.

More than a show: Networking and education

Now in its seventh year, the FFFHI has established itself as a must-attend event in the food industry. For Holmand, the event is "a leading platform wher marketing experts, category managers, product developers and technologists can join forces to develop new approaches and solutions."

The FFFHI conference programme also provides groundbreaking impetus. On both days of the show, experts from retail, industry and market research will present more than 60 free to attend lectures, seminars and workshops on various topics, including successful brand creation, innovation in product development and current consumer trends.

Among others, Alexandra Kirsch from ProVeg will cover “Labelling and Assessment for vegan Products”, while Emma Schofield from market analyst Mintel will offer in-depth insights into “The Future of Clean Label”. Furthermore, “Meet the expert” is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to set up round-table conversations with other industry professionals at the show. Seats can be reserved in advance online.

B2B meetings

An efficient matchmaking tool is available online to ensure that trade visitors and exhibitors are able to make the most effective use of the limited event time.

After online registration, B2B meetings onsite can be arranged quickly and easily in advance. In addition, guided Innovation Tours to seleced exhibition stands will be held several times a day so that visitors can gain an overview of the trends in the industry in a short period of time.

Visitors who register online in advance will receive free admission to all exhibition areas, as well as the conference programme.

Further information can be found at www.freefromfoodexpo.com or by e-mail at info@freefromfoodexpo.com.