Foodex 2014 returns to the NEC to uncover the latest processing, packaging and logistics innovation for food and drink manufacturers

The NEC, Birmingham, 24 – 26 March 2014

Foodex 2014, the UK’s premier trade event for the food and drink processing, packaging and logistics industries, is returning in 2014 to offer a one-stop shop for manufacturing professionals across the full industry spectrum including bakery, beverage, dairy, fresh, ingredients, logistics, meat and seafood sectors.

Run over three days (24-26 March 2014) at the NEC, Birmingham, the show will shine a light on the top trends making an impact across the spectrum of food manufacturing sectors: from improving traceability and consumer trust, transforming productivity and highlighting the latest new ingredients and super foods to make an impression on the industry.

Chris Sturman, Chief Executive of the Food Storage and Distribution Federation, said: “Foodex is an exhibition which FSDF has been proud to be associated with since its inception and has always provided a great business platform for both the Federation and our members. The show offers businesses of all sizes the opportunity to meet with live or potential customers and suppliers, as well as industry experts like the FSDF who can offer invaluable guidance and advice on the issues facing the industry.”

With recognition of these key trends and shifts within the largest manufacturing sectors in the UK, Foodex will be supporting the industry and providing insight on how to reduce waste and improve energy efficiency, expected to be one of the top industry trends for 2014.

As part of Foodex’s ongoing commitment to the sector, the 2014 event will host a new ‘Sustainability Zone’ for the latest innovations to help improve waste, energy efficiency, environmental management and steps on how to reduce your carbon footprint.

The Sustainability Zone will offer advice for the whole industry, with involvement from trade associations like the Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Trade Association (ADBA) and sessions from key industry experts like Richard Gueterbock, Managing Director for Clearfleau who will speak on ‘How to change waste into energy’.

Engage with your peers at Foodex 2014

New to the 2014 Foodex exhibition, visitors can make the most of their time at the show by connecting with Foodex Engage. The online platform enables visitors to plan each day of the show with search capabilities organised by product and companies. Using the service, visitors can search and connect with exhibitors, pre-arrange onsite meetings and search for seminars, adding your favourites straight into your diary. For those visitors booking more than five meetings at the show, Foodex Engage also offers a VIP service to help including fast track registration and access to a Foodex Engage Lounge.

Making Foodex more rewarding for the industry

Also new to 2014, an advisory committee has been set up to work with the Foodex team to help create a bigger, better and more rewarding exhibition for the industry.

Mark Bishop, Joint Managing Director for Interfood Technologies and one of the founding members of the committee, said: “There’s no question that Foodex is the established showcase for our industry and an effective bridge to the buyers that suppliers want to meet. As we face the challenges of an evolving industry, it is important for us all to work together to ensure that it remains so. We are grateful to the organisers for giving us the opportunity to collaborate and influence Foodex’s continued success.”

Commenting on the show, Event Director, Dan Dixon said: “Foodex really does offer a great opportunity for companies specialising in processing, packaging and logistics in the food and drink industry to get their brand, products and equipment in front of a high profile audience. We can’t wait for processing, packaging and logistics professionals to join us, meet peers from across the industry, share the latest ideas and thinking and find ways to transform the future of the manufacturing industries in the UK.”

The Great British Bounce Back 2014

Returning to the NEC following its success at the 2012 event, the Great British Bounce Back returns to showcase best practice examples from across the food and drink industry to recognise those businesses going the extra mile and investing in the future of the UK’s manufacturing industries.

So if your company has for example, significantly reduced energy consumption, invested in next generation workforce through introducing apprenticeships or developed the supply chain to ensure traceability, this award is for you. To enter, visit www.foodex.co.uk/GBBB and tell us why your organisation should be crowned the 2014 Great British Bounce Back Champion.

Introducing comedy night at Foodex 2014

Visitors and exhibitors will also be invited to attend the first Foodex comedy night on Monday 24th March to be held in Gallery Restaurant at the NEC. The “Live at the NEC, A night out with Foodex” event will be hosted by comedian John Moloney and feature performances from comedians Bob Mills, Geoff Norcott and Phil Butler.

With so much variety on offer, if you want to hear about the latest news and trends in processing, packaging and logistics for the food and drink manufacturing industries, Foodex 2014 holds the key. For more information and to register today, visit www.foodex.co.uk.

Foodex is co-located with Food & Drink Expo, incorporating Farm Shop & Deli Show and the National Convenience Show. Foodex 2014 will also feature competitions such as the National Meat Product Competition and Young Butchers competition (both bought to you by the NFMFT). The exhibition is free to attend – visitors can register via the website. Visitor badges are valid across all three days of the show and will allow entry into co-located shows. As this is a trade show, strictly no under 16s will be admitted.

For more information on Foodex 2014, please visit www.foodex.co.uk or join the conversation on Twitter (@Foodex #FDX2014) or the Foodex 2014 LinkedIn group.