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Functional food: Free From Food expo spotlights natural gut health and sports nutrition

Healthy, clean label, plant-based and natural were the key themes at this year’s Free From Food fair in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, with many exhibitors presenting their solutions to make food healthier. 
''Pet owners are increasingly attentive''

Read more on how Adragna Pet Food is innovating in the healthy pet food industry here…
De consument is zich elke dag bewust van gezond eten en drinken

 Waar komt het vandaan, wat is de samenstelling, welk effect heeft het op gezondheid en klimaat, en wat is de prijs? Dat zijn in grote lijnen de belangrijkste voedingsvragen van consumenten. Het Britse bureau FMCG Gurus presenteert tijdens Free From Food Amsterdam de tien trends die volgend jaar de wensen en het gedrag van consumenten bepalen.
Stellar lineup of industry-leading speakers added to Free From Food Amsterdam agenda

Free From Food Amsterdam, the highly anticipated event focusing on the ever-evolving landscape of 'free from' products, is set to return to the RAI Amsterdam from. As the excitement builds, the event organisers have announced new additions to the Conference Program, enriching the event with diverse perspectives and insights.
‘‘Innovation is in our DNA, driving us beyond the ordinary’’

‘’Innovation is in our DNA’’ Itziar Fernández on Alimentos Sanygram. Together with innovation and experience, Alimentos Sanygram is expanding in all sorts of different ways within the Free From market. Interested in where their challenges lie and what they do to overcome them?

Read More…
‘’Making beer truly healthy’’

After training for the Ironman triathlon Thrive Founder Laurens D’Hoore found himself in wanting the refreshing taste of beer. But knowing that this was a poor choice because of the alcohol and lack of protein he started wondering.

Read More…
‘’Good Ingredients, Healthy Body’’

KPNI FOODIE shows you that there are different ways you can take care of your body when it comes to food. ‘’We believe that if you nourish your body with the good ingredients, you will have a healthy body, mind and gut’’, according to Koen de Witte, Director of KPNI FOODIE.

Read More...
‘Vegan kan veel gezonder’

Vegan is geen niche meer, vindt Kurt Yokolma, directeur van United Food Brands (UBF). “Deze producten krijgen meer ruimte in het winkelschap”, zegt hij. “Veel van die voedingsmiddelen zijn ongezond, dus is het tijd om vegan verder te ontwikkelen.'
Van suiker verminderen naar suiker vervangen

Het advies is maximaal 30 gram suiker per dag, maar de gemiddelde consument eet dagelijks drie keer die hoeveelheid. Suiker is verslavend. Producenten van voedingsmiddelen voegen het maar al te graag toe. Vanwege de smaak, maar ook als goedkoop ingrediënt die de structuur verbetert en de houdbaarheid verlengt.
Free From Food
Free From Food returns to Amsterdam with many innovative exhibitors

This year’s Free From Food exhibition will return to the RAI Amsterdam from 21-22 November 2023, with over 250 exhibitors showcasing their new innovations to the industry. Companies with products in the free-from, plant-based, vegan, healthy, organic, functional and health ingredients space will all take to the show floor to highlight their latest products and discuss the current trends sweeping the sector.
Free From Food announces details of educational program

Free From Food Amsterdam, Europe’s leading trade event dedicated to the health ingredient and free from markets, has unveiled its hotly anticipated educational program. Plus, as a first for this year’s event, the new Captain of the Category Award will take place on the show floor, and the Healthy Innovation Award for health ingredient innovations will return to recognise the outstanding innovations in the health ingredients sector.

 

The event, which returns to the RAI Amsterdam this November, promises to educate visitors on the latest trends and innovations – covering allergy-free options, functional foods, nutrition and more – through a series of features that shine a spotlight on the ever-evolving health and wellness sector.

Anderson
Your home for the best novel, clean-label functional ingredients

Anderson Advanced Ingredients provides new clean label solutions for industry-wide challenges and is an innovative foundation to help move countless R&D projects from concept to reality. Led by the legacy products MoisturLOK® and FiberSMART®, the portfolio includes Allulose, fibers, fat and sugar replacers, vegan proteins and nutraceutical ingredients. All ingredients make existing foods healthier and improve product quality.

 
Free From Food Press Office
Setting the stage for a new era of conscious consumption: Free From Food returns to Amsterdam

Registration is now open for the forthcoming Free From Food 2023 which returns to the RAI Amsterdam from 21-22 November 2023. 

Expo Business Communications
Interview Bio Eco Actual with Show Director Ronald Holman

Ronald Holman is the Event and Conference Director of Free From Food & Health Ingredients, the leading European trade event showcasing the vast potential of the Organic, Free From and Vegan market, connecting retailers, food service buyers, importers, traders, manufacturers and technologists. The 11th edition of the two-day event will take place on 21-22 November at Amsterdam RAI. 5000+ visitors are expected to attend, including the 400 Category Management visitors attending the prestigious ‘Captains of The Category Industry Event’ organized by event partner and most important Dutch Food Magazine: Food Personality together with the Dutch Association of Food Trade Marketeers (TMA). The event will include a full educational programme with a line-up of expert speakers across the two days of the show. The winners of FoodPersonality’s prestigious ‘Captain of the Category’ annual survey and the show’s own Healthy Innovation Award will also be presented at the event.

Innova Market Insights
What are the main drivers behind the increasing consumer interest in a plant-based diet?

What are the main drivers behind the increasing consumer interest in a plant-based diet?

For consumers, health is the single most important attribute of a plant-based diet, while it also benefits from a strong natural and sustainable image. Attributes such as sustainability, animal welfare and technology advancement are more likely to impress Generation Z (30%, 22% and 20% respectively). All these benefits are strongly resonating with vegans and vegetarians compared to consumers who do not follow specific diet principles. When it comes to consuming meat and dairy alternatives, the key drivers are sustainability and the environment

 
Foodvalley
Foodvalley: Versnellen door samenwerking

“De transitie van dierlijke naar plantaardige eiwitten als vervanger voor vlees, zuivel en vis gaat al best goed”, weet Leo Koning, Community Manager van The Protein Community, een initiatief van Foodvalley NL. “Maar het kan nog beter, én sneller. Met een betere samenwerking kunnen we meer impact creëren, door de hele keten heen.”

Expo Business Communications
Free From and Functional Expo in Amsterdam RAI: Trendy foodevenement biedt kansen voor bakkers

De Free From and Functional Expo vindt op 22 en 23 november voor de tiende keer plaats in Amsterdam RAI. Centraal staat de toekomst van veganistische, plantaardige, biologische, functionele en gezonde voeding. Niet alleen tonen standhouders uit binnen- en buitenland hun noviteiten, ook is er een interessant conferentieprogramma met onder meer lezingen van Dawn Foods over de mogelijkheden voor plantaardig gebak en Zeelandia over de introductie en uitdagingen van glutenvrije producten.

Bute Island Foods
Interview with Bute Island Food Ltd

What’s the secret of your success and longevity?

Over the last three decades we have experienced consistent growth by investing in the best quality ingredients, ways of making vegan cheese, and our people. 2021 was a particularly special year as we won a Queen’s Award, and became part of the Saputo family.

 
Warburtons Gluten Free
The UKs number one fresh, gluten-free bakery brand comes to mainland Europe

Warburtons is the largest bakery brand in the UK. The company produces over two million products every day at its 11 bakeries, and delivers fresh to 18,500 stores every morning from 18 depots.

Warburtons also has a dedicated gluten-free bakery producing a quality range of gluten-free artisan loaves, sliced bread, rolls, wraps, sandwich thins and crumpets – all with a great taste.
Hoe ontwikkelt de healthy food markt zich nu écht?

Welke categorieën doen het goed als het aankomt op verantwoorde en duurzame voeding? Wat zijn de minder presterende producten en segmenten, en hoe zwaar weegt de factor prijs nu echt? Tijdens Free From Functional & Health Ingredients 2022 geeft IRI inzicht in deze belangrijke ontwikkelingen. Because facts don’t lie!

The Protein Community (TPC)
The Protein Community: proef de Nederlandse Vegaburger

Met trots presenteert The Protein Community (TPC) de BIG5! VEGABURGER. Vijf partners uit onze community hebben samen met BIOBITE Foodlab deze smakelijke burger ontwikkeld.
Dawn Foods
Banketafdeling supermarkt en reguliere bakkerij vaak nog te traditioneel ‘Zonder better for you-aanbod mis je een belangrijke kopersgroep’

Het aanbod in plant-based en andere better for you-producten groeit harder dan ooit. De traditionele bakker en de banketafdeling van de supermarkt blijven hierin nog behoorlijk achter, signaleert Dawn Foods. Terwijl de consument de producten online en binnen horeca en foodservice wél vindt. “Zorg dat je de binding met de lokale consument niet kwijtraakt.”
Free From Private Label Uncovered

Private Label is a fast growing business for Allergen Free, Vegan, Organic and Natural products. More and more exhibitors at the Free From Amsterdam 2022 and Barcelona 2023 editions are offering you Private Label solutions. Find out more at the show for better PL Business!
Schouten Europe
Consumer Acceptance and Plant-Based Alternative

Plantaardige alternatieven zijn de laatste jaren geëxplodeerd in verkoop, maar kampen nu met een stagnatie. Dit heeft voor een groot deel te maken met wantrouwen van de consument in plant-based. Tijdens Free From Functional & Health Ingredients 2022 vertelt Kees van den Heuvel, Trade Marketeer bij Schouten Europe en specialist in plantaardige proteïnen, hoe we de consument weer verder kunnen bewegen richting plantaardig.

 
Free From Expo proves a great success despite restrictions

 “Against all expectations, we put on a high-quality, attractive and well-attended exhibition!”

Despite the tightened measures as a result of increasing COVID-19 infections, Free From Food Expo 2021 opened its doors in the Amsterdam RAI on 23 November. Around 4,000 international food professionals attended this two-day food expo. They described the trade fair as “atmospheric, inspiring and high-quality”. The next edition is already scheduled for Autumn 2022 – again in the Amsterdam RAI.

 
Expo Business Communications
Free From Expo ondanks aanscherpingen toch een feit

'Tegen alle verwachtingen in een kwalitatief zeer goede en sfeervolle expo’

Ondanks de aangescherpte maatregelen als gevolg van de toenemende coronabesmettingen, opende Free From Food Expo 2021 op 23 november toch haar deuren in de Amsterdamse RAI. De tweedaagse foodexpo kreeg desondanks het vertrouwen van zo’n vierduizend internationale foodprofessionals, die de vakbeurs beschrijven als ‘sfeervol, inspirerend en van hoge kwaliteit’. De volgende Amsterdam-editie staat dan ook al gepland voor najaar 2022.

 
Expo Business Communications
Doeltreffend inspelen op consumententrends vergt kennis uit alle lagen van de foodbrache

Verantwoord en duurzaam moet wél daadwerkelijk smaken en smoelen

Voedingstrends die zo’n anderhalf jaar geleden nog voorzichtig in opkomst waren, zijn nu groter dan ooit. Gezonde en duurzame voeding is prioriteit geworden en dit brengt een hogere standaard in kwaliteit, smaak en textuur met zich mee. Om hieraan te kunnen voldoen, is samenwerking in alle lagen van de voedingsbranche essentieel.

 

De afgelopen achttien maanden zijn we meer en meer na gaan denken over ons voedsel en waar dit vandaan komt. Het uitbreken van de pandemie heeft consumenten in versneld tempo bewust gemaakt van het belang van de eigen gezondheid en die van de planeet. Een ‘schapje verantwoorde voeding hier en daar’ voldoet dan ook allang niet meer. Ook in de reguliere schappen worden producten met zo min mogelijk bewerkingen en kunstmatige toevoegingen steeds meer mainstream.
Top BV
What consumer trends are driving TOP’s developments?

The trend towards all-natural food and ingredients is not new, but is becoming a “must-have” for food companies, like food safety. Plant-based is another trend. TOP started 15 years ago with plant-based food – particularly plant proteins – combined with a low sugar, low carbohydrate approach. It’s now accelerating through the entire food chain. Convenience is becoming an ever stronger part of retail, especially in mainland Europe. We work with our clients to ensure the optimum balance between productive operations, an efficient supply chain, and an adequate product shelf life, which in reality means 2-3 weeks.

Döhler GmbH
What are the key consumer trends that you are addressing in Döhler?

Sustainability, naturalness and mindful nutrition. In practice the latter means non-animal, low caloric, ethical and climate-friendly. There is an increased level of environmental and health consciousness amongst consumers. Plant-based products, produced and processed in a sustainable manner, as well as those with health-promoting benefits, are the main focus here.
Euromonitor International
Where is the vegan claim headed?

In the aftermath of “plant-based” becoming a household phrase, what space does a vegan positioning have and how to we expect the claim to be utilized in future?
Zero Carb Company
The First Zero Carb Gluten-Free Bread In The World

The Zero Carb Company of Wageningen in The Netherlands claims to have produced the world’s first bread containing zero carbohydrates and zero gluten. And this is just the first step on their journey: a full range of zero-carb gluten-free bakery products is just around the corner.
Dr Schaer
Glutenvrij: van niche segment naar volwassen categorie

‘Supermarktkanaal inmiddels belangrijkste afzetpunt’

De totale omzet in glutenvrije voeding is de afgelopen vijf jaar meer dan verdubbeld. Glutenvrij is daarmee één van de sterkst stijgende categorieën binnen het supermarktkanaal. Het Italiaanse merk Schär is internationaal én in Nederland marktleider in glutenvrije voeding, en wil ook de komende jaren de drijvende kracht zijn in de categorie.
De Week Zonder Vlees
Free From Functional & Health Ingredients is supporter of the Dutch National Campaign: De Week Zonder Vlees.

Free From Functional & Health Ingredients is supporter of the Dutch National Campaign: ‘De Week Zonder Vlees’. This Dutch initiative 'De Week Zonder Vlees' (March 8 - 14, 2021) believes that eating meat every day is outdated and wants to promote a flexitarian diet, in which meat and fish are alternated with vegetarian or vegetable dishes. More often, not eating meat or fish for a day is a small effort with a huge positive impact on people, animals and the environment.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn to double vegan assortment

Albert Heijn will be expanding its range of vegetarian and vegan products significantly this autumn. The Dutch supermarket chain is thus responding to the increasing demand for plant-based products.
Adilac
Adilac: insights on the well-known but limitedly catered to intolerance of lactose

Oriol Sans of ADILAC shares his insights on the well-known but limitedly catered to intolerance of lactose. Approximately 65 percent of the population is lactose intolerant, and although the supply in dairy alternatives is growing, there is still a lot to be gained. More transparency and healthy substitutes are just some of the desires of this group.

Read all about it!
Euromonitor
Tradition vs. Innovation: Has cow’s milk already lost the battle to plant-based alternative drinks?

Simona Bernatonyte is Food and Nutrition market research analyst at Euromonitor International. She coordinates research projects within food industry in several Eastern Europe countries and monitors key consumer trends and market developments, with a particular interest in health and wellness categories. She also produced multiple country analyses on income and expenditure patterns globally.

Read the whole article here.
Euromonitor
Unpackaging Vegetarianism in Europe: Online product lineups at a glance

Lately, vegetarian and vegan products have gone beyond expectations in terms of hype and media coverage. This put them in the spotlight of not just the consumers, but many food manufacturers and market researchers as well. We at Euromonitor International have been working hard to develop new ways of measuring the impact and online market penetration of products with specific claims or labels, such as vegetarian or vegan.
De Smaakspecialist
Interview with Pieter Priem, de Smaakspecialist

A sustainable world starts with good food. De Smaakspecialist has made it their mission to create innovative and highly valued quality products, that are available and created for the customers and therefore take the responsibility to take good care of the earth. With unique products such as RawBars and vegan Honee, they cater to the customer that shares their mission. To explain their concept further we interviewed Pieter Priem, marketing manager at de Smaakspecialist.
Dawn Foods
What trends is Dawn Foods seeing in the free from, vegan and organic market?

This year Dawn Foods makes its entrance to the Free From Functional & Health Ingredients Expo. The international bakery supplier, with its origin in the United States, provides tailor-made solutions for artisanal bakeries, foodservices and manufacturers for more than 100 years already. Dawn's unique approach? Developing innovative ingredients and creating inspiring and tasty concepts, based on customer and consumer trends and insights - helping Dawn's customers to make the special moments in life, truly special and sweet. Read the full interview with Merel van Zon, Marketing Manager BENELUX, Dawn Foods..
Dialcos
What’s your analysis of the gluten-free market in Italy?
It’s growing, and in our opinion, will continue to grow in the coming years, thanks to new diagnoses, the increasing attention being given to gluten sensitivity, and the growing interest that the non-celiac public is showing towards gluten-free pasta. Moreover, in Italy there are an estimated 400,000 undiagnosed coeliacs. However, we anticipate that growth will be at lower rates than in the past.

What are the most important new trends? We expect beans and ancient gluten-free cereals to increase in importance. The selection of natural ingredients will then be key.
Euromonitor
What’s your assessment of the free-from market in Europe?
In general, the most important trend in free-from categories is going beyond intolerance. Many consumers identify these products as healthier for them than the regular offerings even if they do not have any medical condition that prevents them from consuming lactose or gluten. More and more free-from products are considered to be easier to digest, and people feel better consuming them, which boosts growth of free-from ranges. Sustainability also appears to be an important reason to choose free-from meat or dairy alternatives. In this context, plant-based products are being promoted as more natural and sustainable alternatives as they produce a lower carbon footprint than dairy and meat.
Doves Farm
What challenges need to be overcome in 2019?
Trust in gluten-free and broader free-from foods and brands is critical. Therefore, brands need to be very transparent about what goes into their products and who they are as a business. Clear and transparent labelling in particular is important, not only on retail packs but also on foods produced in-store or on foods bought and consumed out and about. This means working with trusted, certified brands and partners in the supply chain like ‘FREEE by Doves Farm’.
I Am Barts
What made you go into Snack Bar production?
As an athlete with a number of allergies, I have always been aware of the importance of the correct food on my health and fitness levels. I was also aware that a lot of the snacks available are full of artificial flavours and preservatives, with too high levels of bad fats, added sugar and salt. After moving on from skating I decided to look into making my own healthy snack bars.
Proceli
What important new trends do you expect to see impacting the gluten-free sector?
“The challenge is always to improve gluten-free recipes and the flavour and taste of gluten-free products so that they become ever closer to regular products and recipes made with gluten. Many Proceli products have already attained this level of flavour and taste. They are traditionally made, using a gradual fermentation process and a slow baking process that brings out all their inherent flavours.”

How is business going for Proceli

“Very well. In 2018 we constructed an additional 2,000 square metres of factory space, taking the area dedicated exclusively to gluten-free manufacturing to 6,000 square metres
Lonza
What’s the link between capsules and free-from?
Plant-based, clean-label dosage forms are a vital component to support claims on supplement labels and ultimately meet consumer preferences for more-natural products. The demand for food supplements continues to grow, and consumers are becoming increasingly interested in the quality and origin of their food supplements, which in turn is increasing the demand for animal-free or vegetarian supplements. Consumer surveys indicate that when choosing a supplement, 4 out of 5 consumers need to know the source of ingredients; 46% want the vegetarian option; and 34% are looking for gluten-free. Of course, for a product to be vegan or organic certified, it’s not just the ingredients that have to be Clean Label but the complete, finished product, which includes the capsule in which the supplement is administered. Historically, capsules were manufactured from animal sources such as gelatine, but of course these do not meet the requirements of vegans at all.
HRA Global
Hamish Renton’s contemporary view on the free-from industry
“The free-from market has been consistently growing at a rate of 20-30% year on year for a number of years now, and I don’t see any sign of the market declining. What’s interesting is that as sales continue to improve and retailers give free-from products more shelf space, so companies are making increasing efforts to raise the bar in terms of flavour, provenance, variety and innovation. It’s a virtuous circle that is now well embedded. “The free-from market has been consistently growing at a rate of 20-30% year on year for a number of years now, and I don’t see any sign of the market declining. What’s interesting is that as sales continue to improve and retailers give free-from products more shelf space, so companies are making increasing efforts to raise the bar in terms of flavour, provenance, variety and innovation. It’s a virtuous circle that is now well embedded.
Plamil Foods
How do you try to make your free-from products stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace?
Plamil Foods is the oldest vegan company in Europe. We might be the original manufacturer of free-from food! Plamil created Europe’s first milk alternative back in the 1950s and has been vegan and free-from food pioneers and innovators ever since.
Ctic Cita
What’s your view of the free-from market?
The free-from market is driven by factors such as greater consumer sensitivity to health and the increase of scientific-medical evidence of the relationship between food and health. Faced with this scenario, I anticipate this market will continue to grow. In addition, increased consumer adoption of free-from products drives companies to innovate further, which in turn contributes to the growth of this market.

Free From Food 2024

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