KTC BV at IFE 2026: Insights from the Global Food Industry
Our General Manager, Gasper Marusa, attended IFE 2026, held from 30 March to 1 April at ExCeL London—one of the most established and influential trade events in the global food and beverage industry.
As part of the wider Food, Drink & Hospitality Week, IFE continues to serve as a central meeting point for industry professionals looking to explore new products, strengthen partnerships, and stay aligned with evolving market trends.
A Global Platform for Food & Drink Discovery
IFE 2026 once again demonstrated its international scale and relevance, bringing together hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of professionals from over 100 countries.
The event is widely recognized as the UK’s leading platform for food and drink product discovery, offering visitors the opportunity to “travel the world in just a few days” by exploring a diverse range of global suppliers and concepts.
From established brands to emerging startups, the exhibition provided a dynamic environment where innovation and product development were at the forefront.
Innovation, Trends and the “Future of Food”
A central theme of IFE 2026 was “Feeding the Future”, reflecting the changing priorities shaping the food industry—from sustainability and health to affordability and technological advancement.
The exhibition’s content programme, including the Future Food Stage, highlighted key industry topics such as:
- evolving consumer preferences and global flavour trends
- sustainability and responsible sourcing
- the role of AI and data in food product development
- the importance of storytelling and branding in competitive markets
This combination of exhibition and expert-led discussion positions IFE not only as a sourcing platform, but also as a space for understanding the strategic direction of the industry.
Experiencing Products First-Hand
One of the defining aspects of IFE is its highly interactive format. Visitors are able to engage directly with products—through tastings, demonstrations, and live presentations—creating a more comprehensive understanding of quality, positioning, and market potential.
From beverages and specialty coffee to innovative snacks and functional products, the show floor reflected the diversity and creativity of the global food sector.
This hands-on experience remains essential in an industry where product characteristics and consumer perception play a critical role.
Strengthening Connections and Market Presence
IFE 2026 brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including producers, distributors, retailers, and sourcing professionals from across the global food industry. The strong international presence highlighted the importance of cross-border collaboration and the continuous exchange of market knowledge.
For KTC BV, participating in such events is an essential part of maintaining close connections with both origin and destination markets. Direct engagement with partners enables a deeper understanding of supply dynamics, product positioning, and evolving customer expectations.
In a rapidly changing industry, being present on the ground allows for the identification of new sourcing opportunities, the strengthening of existing relationships, and a more informed approach to decision-making. This ongoing market involvement supports the development of reliable, flexible, and long-term supply chains.
Looking Ahead
IFE 2026 once again confirmed its role as a key platform for connecting the global food and drink community.
By combining product discovery, market insights, and meaningful networking opportunities, the event continues to provide valuable perspective on the direction of the industry.
KTC BV remains committed to active market engagement, ensuring that insights gained from such events translate into practical value for our partners worldwide.
