Covid-19 pandemic has strengthened the trend towards sustainable consumption in the food industry. The world’s leading ingredients show Fi & Hi Europe 2021, which will be held online from 22 November and in person in Frankfurt/Germany from 30 November to 2 December, reflects this shift.
The organic and natural ingredients zones of the trade fair are both on a growth trajectory. With a total of more than 800 exhibitors expected on the show floor, more than 150 companies have already signed up for the natural or organic zones. In terms of floor space, compared to the total show, the organic zone has grown by 49 %. The natural ingredients zone, meanwhile, has grown by 46 %. Julien Bonvallet, Fi Global Brand Director, says: “This trend has been present for a number of years but now has become even more apparent as a result of the pandemic. Furthermore, the combination of Food ingredients and Health ingredients Europe highlights the importance of naturalness in ingredients with health benefits”.
Sustainability is also in the foreground on the agenda of the show with the Fi Conference, Innovation Hub, various theaters, the competitions Startup Innovation Challenge and Innovation Awards. It will also address topics such as upcycling, alternative sourcing solutions and more efficient manufacturing processes.
Sessions include “Creating a more sustainable future”, in which Siska Pottie, Secretary General of the European Alliance for Plant-based Foods, will be reviewing the European plant-based market. Also speaking is Paula Schmidsfelden, of The Carbon Trust, who will be discussing “Product carbon footprinting & labelling: how to drive decarbonization in the food industry”. Roquette, meanwhile, will be presenting a company case study on “Adapting to rising consumer expectations with a plant-based approach”.
One of companies that have already signed up for the natural or organic zone is HoneyGreen+, a supplier of beehive products, natural sweeteners and functional ingredients. Vanessa Morice, Commercial Director at HoneyGreen+, comments: “The world demands natural responses to a global need for health, well-being and beauty. We have already observed how changes triggered by the pandemic have accelerated some of the trends predicted to occur over the next five years. And consumers are looking for transparent brands, as they want to know how their actions can help protect their community and environment.”
These views are confirmed by Fi Europe’s business analyst partner, Innova Markets: one-third of consumers worldwide expect companies in the industry to commit to sustainability, while 20 % are also willing to spend more money on such products. In the Innova Lifestyle & Attitudes Survey 2020, respondents indicated that Covid-19 has increased their focus on sustainability, for example, by buying regional products, recycling/upcycling and avoiding food waste. A study commissioned by The Nature Conservancy found a shift among consumers and businesses from wanting food that does not harm to actively seeking out products that do good.
The Fi Global team is expecting a total of about 17,000 visitors in person and/or virtually, with a strong focus on relevant audience for business and networking and the quality of attendance: 72 % of the pre-registered attendees have purchasing power.
