Visitors to next year's IFE, the UK's leading food and drink exhibition will see an increased emphasis on packaging and design, with the introduction of a brand new event - Packaged IFE, the organisers have claimed.
"Packaging has always played a part in IFE - but with its increasing importance in the industry it deserves its own dedicated event. The packaging market is worth £6.5 billion (€10.3bn) in the food industry alone, accounting for more than half of the total packaging market," said Lisa Tompkins, exhibition director.
"Packaging and labelling issues play an increasingly significant role in the food and drink industry and Packaged IFE is a great opportunity for companies to do business. As well as the one in five visitors who expressed an interest in this section, there are also 1,400 exhibitors looking for innovative ideas in packaging and design."
Held from 23-26 March at ExCeL, London, the organisers say that there is already a strong interest from exhibitors. Companies that have already signed up to the show include companies such as Sudpack, RH Packaging, Braythorn, The Nest and Point of Sale Centre. Packaged IFE is targeted to the needs of brand managers, concept developers, NPD managers, marketing managers and packaging buyers.
This organisers say that this year a number of companies new to IFE will be exhibiting at Packaged IFE, as well as many seasoned veterans of the show. First time exhibitor Braythorn's, sales and marketing manager, Mark Hammond commented: "We are very excited to be showing at IFE in 2003. We will be launching a range of new packaging products in both cardboard and PVC, and are looking forward to showcasing these to key contacts in the food and drink industry."
Point of Sale Centre has exhibited at IFE for the last four years. Paul Jackson, marketing manager said: "IFE is a great show for us to attend. We are constantly adding new products to our portfolio, and this is the ideal platform from which to introduce them to existing and potential new customers."
Also returning to the show, under a new company name is The Nest. "As a design company we recognise the potential in the food and drink industry and the importance of a show such as IFE. The increased emphasis on packaging at IFE in 2003 is great news, and we are looking forward to taking part and meeting a whole range of new contacts," said Sophie Hatch, client cervices director. For more information on exhibiting or visiting IFE 2003 call +44 (0) 20 7886 3096 or visit the IFE website at www.ife.co.uk.