Back in Frankfurt: A Review of Fi Europe 2023

As the world’s flagship show for food ingredients, Food ingredients Europe (FiE) shines a light on industry innovations from every corner of the globe. Frankfurt Messe, in the centre of Europe, is the ideal venue for staging the showpiece event, with over 25,000 visitors and 1,200 exhibitors expected to attend from 135 countries.

2023 sees Innova as the exclusive Knowledge Partner to FiE and the show floor featured insightful presentations on consumer attitudes to sustainability, as well as a live session on newly defined market and consumer trends for 2024. Innova’s annual Top Ten Trends are widely regarded as the gold standard for insights into food and drink trends.

Delegates had the unique opportunity to explore no less than eight dedicated Zones and three Pavilions. These included Food ingredients, Health ingredients, Expo FoodTec, Natural ingredients, Free From, Plant-based, New exhibitor and Organic Zones. The main Food ingredients floor featured exhibitors across the full spectrum of the sector, while the New Exhibitor zone was the go-to destination for exciting start-ups and the pick of new products. The Country Pavilion showcased products from specific regions of the world.

The organisers recommended planning a personalised agenda in advance to make the most of the in-person experience. Taking advantage of matchmaking solutions ensured connection to the most relevant suppliers, along with exclusive networking opportunities with key contacts of choice. The one-day ‘Future of Nutrition Summit’ featured presentations of the latest innovations across the food value chain from ag-tech to food-tech. Meanwhile the Innovation Tours included Going green with plant-based, Reformulation with innovative ingredients and Next generation ingredients and proteins amongst others.

As the largest kosher certification organisation in Europe, it came as no surprise that KLBD regard Fi Europe as the optimum platform for kosher certified companies to showcase their products. Kosher food certification provides an instant assurance for industrial buyers that the highest standards of safe food practice are being met, including full ingredient traceability. The certification is a proven asset for generating additional sales revenue.

One such company exhibiting at FiE is Ernesto Ventós S.A., headquartered in Spain, a leading producer, of essential oils, aroma chemicals and fragrance products. The company is also official distributors for BASF, Firmenich, IFF, Indesso, KAO.

Continuing the international trend for KLBD certification, Kenya Bixa Limited is bound to attract large number of visitors to view their product range. As the pioneer of natural foods colour processing in greater Mombasa, on the south-east coast of Kenya, the company, is intent on expanding opportunities in the agro-business sector.

Hosting a stand from Germany is the up-and-coming NewIngredients GmbH, producers of an innovative range of products, including proteins, vegetable fibres and transglutaminase for vegan products. Seeing kosher certification as a valuable asset for discerning buyers, the KLBD symbol is visible across a selection of innovative products.

A success story from Finland is family run 65 Oats, claiming to grow the purest oats in the world and showcasing an exciting variety of oat-based products. Located in one of the northernmost areas for growing oats, a gluten-free production chain ensures that 65 Oats can be enjoyed by everyone. Kosher certification adds a valuable dimension to their product range.

Another KLBD certified exhibitor is Netherlands based Global Food Group B.V. As a producer of liquid egg products it has the added advantage of a vertically integrated business model which makes it possible to deliver the highest quality product.

Showcasing a unique variety of algae micronutrients, Aliga Microalgae has created through the use of precision fermentation an amazing product range for food manufacturers wanting to promote the nutritional benefits of algae. The company, with production facilities in Denmark and Netherlands is proud to carry the KLBD logo as a further sign of adherence to the most stringent quality controls.

Visitors who made their way to the Lactoland Trockenmilchwerk GmbH stand would have experienced a first-hand view of high-quality milk powders produced for the chocolate, bakery, ice cream, cheese and yoghurt industries, as well as the sports nutrition sector. Manufacturing from Dulmen, Germany, Lactoland’s emphasis on quality management is clear from the KLBD logo displayed on their product range.

Exhibiting from Hamburg was Fismer Lecithin ,developers of outstanding lecithin products for the food, animal feed, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. The product range is sustainably produced, fully traceable and with the benefit of KLBD certification carries a recognisable sign of quality assurance for consumers.

KLBD certified STAY Naturals Pvt, formerly GSL Naturals Pvt Ltd, received a flood of visitors to their stand to see first-hand the amazing display of essential oils, oleoresins, seasonings, natural food colours and many more sustainably produced products. ‘Ingredients for Life’ is the mission statement for STAY Naturals, Sri Lankan’s leading manufacturer of unique products in this category.

Whether looking to boost brand awareness, generate new leads or see the very latest innovations, Fi Europe 2023 delivered the best of the world’s tastemakers together under one roof.  As the organisers promised, it’s the headlining show for attendees to ‘Network, Innovate and Learn’.