European Flavour at 2008 Food & Drink Expo

- Alan Lodge

THIS year's Food & Drink Expo is set to take on a true cosmopolitan flavour with Austrian and Italian exhibitors in particular raising their presence at the show.

Space increases of more than 60 per cent by Austria and Italy - added to a first time pavilion from Greece - gives real grounds for optimism that the 2008 show’s international flavour will be at an all time high.

Pavilions from around the world also include Canada, Germany, Austria, Saudi Arabia, Thailand and the USA, while international exhibitors from Australia, Turkey, Czech Republic, New Zealand, and most points of the compass are also signing up fast, says Kirsty Ho, head of international sales.

The early confirmation of international pavilions and stands is thanks to the close co-operation between the organiser’s of FDE 08, William Reed Events & Exhibitions, with Export Promotion Councils from 85 different countries.

The Austrian Pavilion will feature a number of companies on the look out for UK importers and distributors including: Mona specialist milk and dairy products, wellness and organic drinks. Nannerl (soft drinks; soups, sauces, desserts); Mohrenbrauerei August Huber (specialist beers from its private brewery); and Gunz (more than 1,000 lines for food & drink outlets). While with typical Italian pizzazz, Universal Marketing of Italy will be showing off regional specialties to tempt the palate including coffee, pasta, wine, liqueurs, savouries, and much more.

Specialty food and drink products have been a feature of the show for several years and 2008 is no exception:
• Xtazy Energy will show off its funky range of energy drinks aimed at the younger market made from herbs and nutrients based on the Guarana seed. It comes in four distinct flavours and some eye catching packs.

The company will launch several new products to the European market including an ‘8-hour energy shot’ in a cranberry flavour with no calories. Other launches are Hemp Ice Tea, and energy food bars and gum.

• Finch & Green import a range of oils, sauces and honey from New Zealand which includes Avocado Oil and Manuka Honey.

• Americatessan is exhibiting its expanding range of American food and condiment lines including everything from Libby’s pumpkins to Old Bay seasoning, Motts Apple Sauce and to add something extra to the Thanksgiving turkey a range of stuffing products with a difference.

• Lucky Country will feature its popular range of Australian liquorice products with some new versions of this favourite candy product. The company has enjoyed great success at past FDE shows and acquired several ‘blue chip’ outlets as a result.

William Reed, Food & Drink Expo 2008 organisers, is marketing the event as far away as China, India and Jamaica as well closer to home within the EU, other European states and Central and Eastern Europe.

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