China is key theme at FIE food show

In this exclusive podcast, Nick Ornstien, portfolio director for food at show organiser UBM, told Rod Addy, on the last day of the exhibition, how many exhibitors and visitors it had attracted. The event, which takes place every other year, grew by 9% over 2009 figures and featured more than 1,200 exhibitors from more than 65 countries.

China featured strongly both in the number of delegates and exhibitors, he said.

Natural alternatives​

A wealth of other trends was represented at the show, from mining the marine environment for nutrients to developing products for an ageing population. Having received the green light from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), stevia received a high prominence at the show, as did other sugar replacers.

A host of exhibitors continued to showcase new natural alternatives to artificial colours and flavours. Ingredients giant DSM demonstrated a host of functional ingredients at its stand, including texturisers and thickeners for sauces and baked goods. Many of these were designed to cut processing costs, energy use and hence carbon emissions.

“The challenges this year are even bigger than before,”​ said Charlotte Fredericksen, global communication manager, DSM Nutritional Products. “Sustainability will dominate developments for years to come. All players need to meet new regulations and claims imposed by EFSA,” ​she added.