Over a third of F&B businesses impacted by plant-based trend

Plant-based food and veganism, the free-from movement and booze-free beverages have been identified as the top three trends which impacted F&B businesses in 2018, according to research by The International Food & Drink Event (IFE).

The research, which surveyed professionals in the sector, also revealed that plant-based eating, sustainable packaging, gut-friendly foods and sugar-free are the most prominent trends businesses are looking to leverage in 2019.

Experts from the food and drink industry, including leading plant-based influencers, will take to the Talking Trends stage throughout the four-day event to share their experiences, opinions and predictions. The line-up includes Maria Antidormi, insight consultant at Anima Insight; Al Overton, senior buyer at Planet Organic; Derek Sarno, director of plant-based food innovation at Tesco; and James Hacon, managing director of Think Hospitality.

The panel will examine trends such as good gut health (fermented foods), food with good fats (Omega 3), foods that relieve stress (vitamised juices), the new stronger spicy flavours coming through in snacks and confectionery, and a closer look at why the proportion of Brits drinking alcohol is at its lowest.

Soraya Gadelrab, event director for IFE, said: “We have brought together a truly fantastic line-up of experts for next year’s event, to offer buyers the most up-to-date intel on the changing food and drink landscape and provide inspiration, ideas and tools to help businesses tap into upcoming trends. It’s a must visit for anyone looking to grow their business in 2019 and beyond.”