The International Food & Drink Event (IFE) wrapped up a three-day extravaganza at Excel London, bringing together food, drink, and hospitality brands from across the world.
One of the biggest highlights of the event was the diverse range of country stalls that captivated visitors with unique food offerings. Korea’s intricate cotton candy display turned heads with its delicate artistry, while Bulgaria’s rich acacia honey drew crowds for its deep flavours and natural sweetness. Representing India, a hearty serving of Millet Khichri and crunchy Makhana showcased the country’s commitment to sustainable and nutritious eating. Italian breads, known for their artisanal quality and rich flavours, were also a major attraction, celebrating Europe’s deep-rooted culinary heritage.
Beyond the bustling food stalls, IFE served as a hub for expert discussions and industry insights. On the Future Food stage, thought leaders and top industry players engaged in discussions aimed at shaping the future of food retail and hospitality. Panellists from Bidfood, Co-Op, and Iceland explored ‘Revolutionising Retail,’ shedding light on shifting consumer behaviours and innovative retail strategies. Experts also debated how ‘Online Shopping as a Trend Predictor’ is playing a key role in determining product trends and evolving customer preferences.
Another major talking point was food reformulation and labelling, discussed on IFE Manufacturing’s Trends & Innovation Platform. Experts weighed in on how food labels can influence consumer health choices and the industry’s responsibility in reformulating products for better nutritional value. Meanwhile, an Alternative Route to Market session focused on travel buyer insights, offering hospitality brands strategies to expand beyond traditional sales channels.
IFE 2025 also featured hospitality-centric discussions on HRC’s Vision Stage, a space designed by Harp Design in collaboration with Future Menus by Unilever Food Solutions. Content curated by KAM explored topics such as brand loyalty, maximizing seasonal events, and an exclusive reveal of the UK’s largest hospitality salary survey results. Unilever’s Future Menus Vol. 3 report provided key insights into unlocking the spending power of Gen Z consumers.
The event also showcased top-tier culinary talent at Chef HQ, where chefs including Simon Hulstone, Freddy Forster, Simon Attridge, Tom Booton, and Alain Roux delivered live cooking demos. Meanwhile, The Pub Show addressed social media trends, safety in pubs, apprenticeships, and community-building strategies for a stronger industry.
With a perfect blend of culture, innovation, and industry insights, IFE 2025 once again proved why it is the UK’s leading platform for food and hospitality excellence.
