We have constant deadlines in publishing for our magazines Beverage Innovation, Dairy Innovation, Cooler Innovation and Food & Beverage International, but it’s the number of shows that seems to be increasing. And so many have a growing relevance to our industry that it’s hard to miss them out: vending, healthy ageing and functional drinks, for instance.
There’s always a little frisson of excitement at the start of a show: Who’s been hiding something under wraps for the big reveal? Whose stand will draw the crowds and most importantly today? Whose latest product will have everyone tweeting and blogging across the globe?
There are shows coming up this first half-year in packaging and ingredients, organic and private label, food safety, manufacturing and processing and sustainability. See our Events section for more details.
I hope to attend the Soft Drinks Strategy Congress in Paris next month, a two-day event with speakers from the major companies, then we have the exciting product launches at the International Food Exhibition (IFE) in combination with Pro2Pac on 17-20 March, at Excel in London.
In April, I’m speaking on latest product innovations at Zenith International’s 9th InnoBev Congress in Warsaw – the hub of Europe, where companies in emerging markets are surprising us all with strong designs and bright ideas.
The InnoBev Sustainability Awards are being presented here for the first time, rewarding those involved in energy and water saving, smart packaging and eco-friendly innovation.
Then it’s Vitafoods in Geneva in May, which is always a big event for the evolving beverage industry. There will be substantial interest in how the European functional food market is innovating following the enforcement of EFSA’s article 13.1 general health claims.
Our biggest event of the year has to be Drinktec in Munich, being held at Messe München from 16-20 September.
As a four-yearly event, Drinktec is always on a grand scale and is expecting to top 60,000 visitors looking for the latest in beverage processing, packaging, ingredients and marketing.
A highlight of the event will be the Beverage Innovation Awards @drinktec, sponsored by Rexam. Other sponsors already include Aptar, Sensient and Plastic Technologies, with more being added all the time.
The awards are in association with the German and European industry trade associations WAFG and Unesda.
The Beverage Innovation Awards @drinktec will be presented on 19 September. I hope to see you up on stage celebrating your contribution to this vibrant industry.
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