Fi Europe is gearing up to welcome over 25,000 visitors from 135 countries at Messe Frankfurt. The event. The Startup Challenge, Fi Innovation Awards, Fi Conference and Future of Nutrition Summit are some of the highlights that will make this a must-attend event for food professionals. 

Yannick Verry, Brand Director of Fi Europe & Americas says: “We’re really looking forward to Fi Europe 2024. The event has been growing and evolving with the needs of the F&B ingredients industry and this year we have some great additions alongside our tried and trusted favourites.”

More than 1500 exhibitors are confirmed for the main show arena, which will be populated by offerings spanning the full F&B ingredients spectrum and will be zoned for easy navigation. There will be more than 25 country pavilions, connecting visitors with exhibitors from Denmark, France, USA, Germany, Japan, Poland, Spain and more; dedicated areas for health ingredients, natural ingredients and organic ingredients; a startup pavilion showcasing up-and-coming innovators; and a newly expanded Food Technologies & Solutions zone for those seeking practical and innovative ways to optimise their supply chains and future-proof their operations, from R&D to delivery.

NEW! Pet Food Suppliers’ Hub

Meeting demand for a dedicated pet food platform within Fi Europe, this year will see the launch of the Pet Food Suppliers’ Hub. This new area will showcase ingredients and technologies that can support the pet food industry in developing nutritious, safe and innovative products. Companies of all sizes will participate, from major F&B suppliers such as Cargill, Brenntag or Barentz to specialist players in the petfood sector such as IQI or Agronutris.

“Pet food manufacturers are challenged with finding new ways of tapping into the pet humanisation trend and are looking to the ingredient industry to power their innovation. Fi Europe has a strong track record of facilitating business partnerships that deliver successful products and the new Pet Food Suppliers’ Hub will create a vibrant forum for exchanging ideas, inspiring innovation and forging new relationships,” says Verry.

Inspiring innovation

The entire event is designed around inspiring, enabling and celebrating innovation, through features like the New Product Zone, curated by Innova Market Insights, and Innovation Tours led by NutriMarketing guides. All visitor passes include free access to the Innovation Hub, which will host presentations and discussions on trends, innovations and opportunities.

Fi Europe will once again stage the Startup Challenge, now in its ninth year. The Challenge is a platform for advancing potentially transformational solutions from young companies. This year’s Challenge will feature four categories, including the new Most Innovative Foodtech Solution plus a special Jurys Choice award for the Most Innovative Sustainable Solution. Finalists will pitch their ideas to a live audience in the Innovation Hub on 19 Nov. and winners will be announced during the show.

“Startups are defining and designing the innovative food ingredients of tomorrow, but often lack the scale and funds to bring their solutions to market. Connecting with the right partners is therefore a fundamental part of any startup’s journey, and the Fi Europe Startup Challenge is the ideal place to do so,” says Verry.

The Fi Innovation Awards will also return this year, with four new categories that capture the trends shaping the future of food: Dairy Alternative Innovation, Food Manufacturing, Pet Food Innovation, and Future Foodtech Innovation. The programme will culminate in a ceremony the evening of 19 Nov. Entry to the Innovation Awards is included in the VIP pass.

Content is king

Fi Europe’s content programme is always a major draw. Free access to the two-day Fi Europe Conference (19-20 Nov.) is included with all visitor passes. Sessions will focus on four topical themes: health and wellbeing; plant-based and alternative proteins; reformulation; and tech-led ingredient innovation. The Future of Nutrition Summit, accessible with a delegate pass, is another opportunity to ingest cutting-edge content. It takes place at the Mövenpick Hotel Frankfurt City on 18 Nov., the day before Fi Europe opens its doors. Industry leaders will present and lead discussions on future trends and developments in health and nutrition.

Sustainability a core theme

Sustainability will be a key thread running throughout Fi Europe 2024. At the Fi Conference and Future of Nutrition Summit, thought leaders will discuss sustainable development and supply chain transparency; the Fi Innovation Awards and Startup Challenge will raise the profile of pioneering sustainability-led solutions, and the exhibition floor will offer a hub for buyers and suppliers to engage in dialogue around sustainable ingredient sourcing.

The event’s sustainability partner, Solidaridad, will share expertise on supply chains, with the aim of empowering brands to source ingredients ethically, sustainably and transparen. “Our partnership with international civil society organisation Solidaridad is part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability,” says Verry. “Through the event’s features and content we will highlight sustainable sourcing, transparency, regulatory compliance and more.”

With data-driven matchmaking and The Women’s Networking Breakfast, Fi Europe offers unrivalled networking opportunities. To help attendees plan their days, book meetings and optimise their time, the Fi Europe event platform is available online now.