IFE Manufacturing returned to Excel London from 30 March to 01 April as part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week, bringing together the food and drink production community for three days of innovation, insight and business.

Connecting ingredient suppliers, manufacturers, technology providers and product developers, the event provided a comprehensive view of the trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the future of food and drink production. From ingredient innovation and processing technology to sustainability and global FoodTech developments, IFE Manufacturing reinforced its role as a key meeting point for the entire supply chain.

Federico Dellafiore, Event Director for IFE and IFE Manufacturing, said: “IFE Manufacturing continues to be a place where the full food and drink production ecosystem comes together, from ingredients and processing through to packaging and technology. What stood out this year was the depth of innovation on display and the level of collaboration across the sector. Whether it was through the Trends & Innovation Platform or conversations happening across the show floor, there was a real focus on how we collectively move the industry forward. It’s exciting to see how these ideas will translate into the products and solutions shaping the future of food.”

Innovation at the heart of product development

A major highlight of the event was the IFE Manufacturing Ingredients Awards, held in association with the Institute of Food Science & Technology (IFST), which celebrated excellence across sourcing, sustainability, public health and enabling technologies.

Winners included Nesco for responsible sourcing, Crawford Rock for public health impact, and Accellta Ltd for sustainable ingredient innovation, while Biovit’s Vitamin C solution was recognised as both an enabling technology and the overall Innovation of the Year.

The awards reflected the breadth of activity across the ingredients sector, highlighting how scientific advancement and sustainability are increasingly intertwined in modern product development.

Global FoodTech trends take centre stage

IFE Manufacturing also played host to the unveiling of the 2025 FoodTech 500 by Forward Fooding, a global benchmark of the most impactful agrifoodtech companies.

Drawing on more than 1,200 applications from 87 countries, the ranking highlighted a sector that is maturing rapidly, with 80% of featured companies already generating revenue. A clear shift towards infrastructure and systems-level innovation was evident, with growth in areas such as agtech and waste management signalling a focus on solving fundamental challenges across the food system.

The strong presence of European companies, alongside increasing diversity among founders, underscored both the global reach and evolving priorities of the sector.

Trends shaping the future of food

The Trends & Innovation Platform provided visitors with forward-looking insight into the forces influencing product development, with sessions from leading analysts including Mintel, FMCG Gurus and IGD.

Day one of the platform was delivered as a dedicated conference curated by Campden BRI in partnership with the Institute of Food Science & Technology (IFST), bringing together leading voices from across food science, research and industry to explore the future of ingredients, nutrition and product development.

Alice Pilkington, Associate Principal at Mintel, outlined how 2026 will be defined by a shift from resilience to perseverance, as consumers take a more proactive approach to navigating uncertainty. This is driving demand for products that balance pleasure with purpose, combining enjoyment with functionality, nutrition and convenience.

Key themes across the programme included the rise of dietary diversity, growing interest in fibre and digestive health, and the evolving role of protein. Sessions also explored the impact of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs on consumption habits, alongside the importance of inclusive innovation and multisensory product design.

A programme built for growth and innovation

Across both the Trends & Innovation Platform and Business Growth Stage, the seminar programme tackled the practical and strategic challenges facing manufacturers today.

Sessions such as “Artificial intelligence in action: Ingredient discovery and new product development reimagined” and “From lab to label: Ingredient innovation for the future” explored how technology and science are accelerating product development, while panels including “Smart factories, smarter people” examined the skills and infrastructure needed to support the next generation of food production.

Sustainability and responsible sourcing were also central themes, with sessions addressing supply chain transparency, deforestation and the role of certification in building more resilient systems.

On the commercial side, a series of export-focused masterclasses and panels provided actionable guidance for brands looking to scale internationally, covering everything from navigating trade agreements to avoiding common export pitfalls and understanding what buyers are really looking for.

Ingredient innovation across the show floor

The exhibition floor brought together a diverse mix of global and UK-based suppliers spanning ingredients, processing, packaging and technology. Exhibitors including Angel Yeast, ATURA Proteins, Döhler and Lallemand Bio-Ingredients showcased the latest developments in clean label solutions, functional ingredients and flavour innovation.

Advances in alternative proteins, fermentation and formulation technologies highlighted how manufacturers are responding to demand for products that deliver on both nutrition and enjoyment. From yeast-derived ingredients enabling clear, protein-enriched beverages to plant-based flours supporting high-protein applications, the show floor reflected a sector pushing the boundaries of product development.

Alongside ingredients, companies such as BRCGS, Centric Software and CSB-System demonstrated how digital tools, certification and data-driven solutions are supporting greater efficiency, transparency and compliance across the supply chain.

Feeding the Future through collaboration

Across the exhibition floor and conference programme, IFE Manufacturing reflected the “Feeding the Future” theme, highlighting how the industry is responding to changing consumer expectations, supply chain pressures and sustainability challenges.

Exhibitors showcased solutions spanning ingredients, processing, packaging and technology, demonstrating how innovation is enabling manufacturers to improve efficiency, reduce waste and develop products that align with evolving market demands.

The event also underscored the importance of collaboration, bringing together stakeholders from across the supply chain to share knowledge, explore new ideas and build partnerships.

As part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week, IFE Manufacturing continues to play a vital role in connecting the industry and supporting its evolution.

With innovation accelerating and the demands on food and drink production continuing to grow, the 2026 edition highlighted a sector that is not only adapting, but actively shaping the future of how food is developed, produced and delivered.