IFE returned to Excel London from 30 March to 01 April as part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week, bringing together tens of thousands of food and drink professionals for three days of product discovery, international trade and industry insight.

More than 950 brands exhibited across the show floor, with over 60 countries represented, reinforcing IFE’s position as a global platform for sourcing, innovation and business development. Buyers from retail, wholesale, hospitality and import/export sectors gathered to connect with suppliers, explore new products and gain a clearer view of the trends shaping the future of food and drink.

Federico Dellafiore, Event Director for IFE, said: “IFE continues to bring together the global food and drink community at a time of rapid change for the industry. From emerging brands to established international producers, the show provides a platform where innovation, collaboration and commercial opportunity come together. This year’s event has demonstrated the strength and resilience of the sector, as well as the ideas that will shape its future.”

A global marketplace for food and drink

International participation was a defining feature of IFE 2026, with national and regional pavilions from across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North Africa highlighting the show’s role as a gateway to UK and European markets.

Government-backed delegations played a prominent role. Saudi Arabia exhibited under its “Saudi Made” identity, showcasing 14 companies focused on expanding non-oil exports and strengthening global confidence in its food sector. India’s APEDA pavilion brought together 29 exporters presenting a diverse range of agri and processed food products, supported by live cooking demonstrations and sampling experiences designed to engage international buyers.

Elsewhere, Jordan returned to the show for a second time with the aim of opening new export channels and building trade partnerships, while Algeria used its presence to promote a “Made in Algeria” food brand across European markets. European participation was equally strong, with Italy presenting 32 producers through its ICE-led pavilion and France showcasing 21 companies through Business France, spanning categories from dairy and meat to confectionery and ingredients.

Regional representation also delivered tangible outcomes. Tainan City’s pavilion from Taiwan facilitated the signing of a memorandum of understanding with a UK importer and distributor, demonstrating the role IFE plays in enabling real business connections and market entry.

Innovation shaping the future of food

Across the show floor, innovation was a central theme, with exhibitors unveiling new products that reflected evolving consumer expectations around health, functionality and sustainability.

Functional beverages were a major area of growth, with brands introducing drinks infused with adaptogens, botanicals and live cultures. From clean energy drinks and fermented “bio sodas” to ready-to-drink matcha and alcohol-free alternatives, the category continues to evolve in response to demand for low-sugar, wellbeing-focused options.

Snacking innovation also reflected a shift towards healthier, more functional formats. High-protein products, low-carb snacks and reduced-sugar alternatives were widely represented, alongside allergen-free options and ingredient-led innovations designed to enhance nutritional value without compromising on taste.

At the same time, global flavours and premiumisation remained key drivers of product development. Exhibitors drew on culinary traditions from across the world, bringing international cuisines and heritage-led products to UK buyers while adapting formats for modern retail and foodservice environments.

Launching the next generation of brands

IFE’s Startup Market once again provided a platform for early-stage businesses to connect with buyers and showcase emerging ideas. Dedicated to brands trading for two years or less, the feature highlighted the next wave of food and drink innovation.

The 2026 line-up reflected key industry trends, from functional wellbeing drinks and alcohol alternatives to fermentation, gut health and globally inspired products. Brands such as Chill Spritz, Kloudy Matcha and xhunca & Fermentia demonstrated the continued momentum behind functional beverages, while others focused on premium ingredients, sustainability and strong brand storytelling.

The Startup Market also underlined the growing importance of identity and differentiation, with many brands combining product innovation with clear narratives around provenance, purpose and consumer lifestyle.

Insight and thought leadership

Alongside the exhibition, IFE’s content programme provided a platform for industry leaders to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping the sector. Sessions on the Future Food Stage, sponsored by Brambles Digital, covered topics including sustainability, supply chain innovation, health and nutrition, and the role of technology in food systems.

Panels and presentations examined issues such as food waste reduction through AI, the future of plant-based products, changing retail dynamics and the impact of global dietary frameworks on real-world businesses. The programme reflected the industry’s increasing focus on long-term resilience, data-driven decision-making and the need to balance commercial success with environmental and social responsibility.

Celebrating excellence across the industry

Innovation was further recognised through the World Food Innovation Awards, held live at IFE. With more than 100 brands from 28 countries entering, the awards provided a global snapshot of the ideas shaping the future of food and drink.

Winners reflected key industry priorities, including health and functionality, sustainability, plant-based development and ingredient innovation. The awards reinforced IFE’s role as a platform not only for product discovery but also for celebrating the businesses driving progress across the sector.

A platform for meaningful connections

Beyond product launches and content, IFE 2026 delivered significant value through face-to-face connections and business opportunities. Exhibitors and visitors alike highlighted the importance of the event in facilitating conversations, partnerships and deal-making.

Juliano Mazola, Category Procurement Manager at Woods Sustainable Foodservice, said: “IFE 2026 at Excel London was an outstanding event, bringing together an impressive range of innovative food and drink brands. It was extremely well organised and provided a valuable opportunity to connect with industry leaders in one place.”

Looking ahead

As part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week, IFE once again demonstrated the strength of bringing the entire food and drink ecosystem together under one roof. Co-location with IFE Manufacturing, HRC, The Pub Show, Hospitality Tech360 and International Salon Culinaire created a unique environment for collaboration across the full supply chain.

From international trade and product innovation to emerging brands and industry insight, IFE 2026 provided a comprehensive view of the forces shaping the future of food and drink. As the sector continues to evolve, the event remains a key meeting point for businesses looking to connect, innovate and grow.