Food matters
Food Matters Live kicked off in London, UK today, bringing together the food and drink industry, retailers, foodservice providers, government and those working in nutrition. The three-day event (21-23 November) aims to enable collaboration and innovation to support a sustainable food landscape for the future.
A series of topical seminars were on offer today, including discussions on Brexit, the childhood obesity plan and reformulation. Additional topics, such as the sugar reduction programme, food design and nutrition and the marketing of healthier food choices, complete the conference line-up over the next two days.
Meanwhile, the exhibition features more than 800 organisations – from food and drink manufacturers and ingredient suppliers to foodservice providers and research and academic institutions – highlighting the role of the food, drink and nutrition sector in supporting and developing healthy products.
A snapshot of the innovations on show from ingredient specialists include Tate & Lyle’s range of tailored oat solutions, with a blueberry smoothie prototype available to showcase the fibre-boosting quality of its oats; and a sodium reduction and savoury flavour enhancement ingredient from Salt of the Earth, which has been used successfully in a trial to significantly reduce the sodium content of mayonnaise. Beneo, meanwhile, is showing how its ingredients can help support positive nutrition at various life stages; and GNT is taking visitors on a journey from field to supermarket to demonstrate its range of natural colouring foods.
Various food and drink products are also on display, highlighting the great work that can be done when manufacturing with such ‘better for you’ ingredients. Coppola Foods, for example, is presenting its no added sugar tomato sauces and no added salt beans; while Alive Biome is unveiling a probiotic drink designed to deliver live bacteria, vitamins and botanicals in an on-the-go format.
In addition, 15 Welsh companies are present under the Welsh government’s Cymru/Wales banner, including Golden Dairy, showcasing its Neovite milk powder, ideal for an immune boost, athletic performance and digestive conditions; and snack brand Wild Trail, which is launching a new addition to its range of fruit, vegetable and nut bars using just five simple ingredients.
Next week we will continue the health kick at Fi Europe in Frankfurt, Germany. Keep an eye on our Twitter and website pages for updates.