Informa Markets will host Fi Europe and Hi Europe this year, combining an in-person trade show with an extensive online offering. With vaccinations rate going up and restrictions lifting around Europe, sentiment around attending event in-person is improving, the event organisers have said. The most recent survey, organised by Informa Markets, shows over 60% of respondents would be prepared to attend an event in-person right now and so far 86% of the available stand space at Fi Europe 2021 has already been booked. The in-person event will open in Frankfurt from November 30 to December 2.
The accompanying online event, starting November 22, will cater to attendees who are unable to visit Frankfurt due to travel restrictions or time constraints. All attendees will therefore benefit from the new online product presentations, ingredients search functions as well as chat and video meeting functions.
The Fi Europe team expects the new format to attract more than 23,000 attendees and 1,200 exhibitors. To ensure that attendees can enjoy business and networking opportunities in optimal conditions at the show, the 10-point compliance plan of the “AllSecure Health & Safety Standard”, developed by Informa Markets, will be in place, imposing regulations on cleaning and hygiene, and physical distancing, along with protection and detection measures.
Julien Bonvallet, Brand Director: “It’s the details that make the difference, and we have paid attention to details when it comes to added safety for everyone involved. We are already in contact with exhibitors about replacing the distribution of brochures with a QR code system that will help reduce physical contacts. And, of course, we’re adapting our hall layout with wider alleys so that two-way traffic is feasible, while maintaining distancing regulations. Furthermore, as this is an F&B show, a secure way of sampling and tasting will be guaranteed.”
Online event opens up new markets and target groups
The 2020 online edition of Fi Europe and Fi Global digital events in recent month proved that the formats were not only well-received, but also tapped into completely new attendee potential: between 40 and 60 per cent of participants in those online events attended for the first time. The global reach also increased thus broadening brand awareness and business opportunities for the companies that were exhibiting.
Health taking centre stage
With the decision to combine Food ingredients and Health ingredients, the event team acknowledges the ever-increasing blurring of lines between everyday foods, products with added health benefits and nutraceuticals. COVID-19 has led to a further surge in healthy eating, and thus demand for health ingredients, plant-based alternatives, gut health and immunity concepts and ingredients. In a survey by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, one-third of respondents from 10 countries in Europe said healthy eating will be very important in the post-pandemic era. And almost as many stated that avoiding additives and preservatives will continue to be of great importance. A consumer shift towards healthier nutrition means shoppers are also looking to make the right choice when it comes to sugar, salt and fat reduction. It’s a trend driven by not only consumers, but also legislative changes in the wake of an EU 10% sugar reduction target from 2015 to 2020.
From food ingredients and healthy solutions to regulatory information and new technologies, Fi Europe will cover the entire spectrum of trending topics in the F&B industry. Along with new virtual opportunities, the event offers an enhanced experience, more comprehensive and flexible than ever.
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Media contact
Kiran Grewal
Editor, International Confectionery
Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922
Email: editor@in-confectionery.com
