The annual International Food & Drink Event (IFE) remains one of the most important dates in the calendar for the food and drink industry, bringing together producers, innovators and buyers under one roof to shape the future of the food consumer landscape. New products quietly debut before hitting shelves, wider shifts in taste begin to take shape, and a stroll of the floor offers a clear snapshot of what’s gaining traction now – and what the nation will likely be eating and drinking next.
Here’s a condensed snapshot of 5 of the key things we observed:
Pistachio is still very much in the picture – but tahini is close behind.
From halva creations and tahini-packed dressings to mixed dips and pure tahini jars, this is a flavour that is on the brink of pushing even further into the mainstream. Brands like Alasia focus on purity and quality, using fine Cyprus-grown sesame to produce top-tier tahini and halva variants, while UK-based Foodwick has brought tahini into its core spread portfolio – their Vanilla Tahini Duet, a blend of earthy sesame and aromatic vanilla, was one of our standout products, and makes for the perfect breakfast accompaniment or a light daytime snack. Even Datekin has introduced a tahini-filled date option, delivering natural sweetness with a rich, nutty finish. This is one we’re excited for.
Move over, sugar-packed protein snacks – it’s now all about quality snacking.
For years, the market has been saturated with protein bars, shakes, and every variation in between, often packed with sugar and artificial sweeteners to mask the chalky texture. The shift now leans towards fibre-rich snacks and baked, fry-free options that deliver even more on flavour. Brands like fu:di have emerged strongly in this space, offering seeded crispbreads that double up as a source of fibre and protein, while Moreish continues to lead with its seaweed sheets for a quick, savoury hit. Mitsuba also stands out, particularly for its baked black sesame rice crackers, as well as wasabi-flavoured versions for those after something with a kick.
And it’s the same story with shakes – less protein focus, and more emphasis in vitamin and mineral infusion, and long-term benefits with balance.
Charcuterie heaven – the rise of party centrepieces and picky bits.
With build-your-own boards dominating social media, the ‘girl dinner’ trend, and premium retailers dedicating more space to grazing formats, picky bits have firmly taken centre stage. French brand Auvernou earns its place here, specialising in high-quality dry-cured sausage made from 100% French pork. Its Gourmet Range includes options such as Goat’s Cheese & Espelette Pepper, Chilli, and Roquefort & Walnuts, which is a certain must-try. Add in premium Cypriot olives from Meze (the Spicy Cocktail mix is a current favourite), Bulgarian and Greek cheeses from Aida Foods and Kalavryta, and breads or crackers from Paul Rhodes Bakery, and the board quickly comes together with a true European twist.
For something extra, slot in a selection of Higgidy’s wholesome bite-sized pies, and dollop on some of Meze’s colourful dips – the Avocado Hummus is not one to be missed!
The flavours of Asia are still at the forefront of interest.
Asian flavours continue to dominate, with Korean cuisine in particular seeing strong and sustained growth. O’Food delivers a broad range of South Korean flavours, from traditional to more modern interpretations, with sauces designed to slot easily into everyday cooking – their upcoming gochujang ketchup and mayo, along with kimchi variations, are likely to land well, building on the success of existing products like their Bulgogi Sauce. Korean Street also brings an authentic Korean grill sauce to the table, alongside its well-loved chicken-based instant noodles and ramen. Meanwhile, Japanese brand Kewpie remains a staple, its umami-rich mayonnaise continuing to find its way into everything from sushi to snacking platters as a versatile drizzling, dip, or even a salad dressing.
Treat yourself with goodness without sacrificing the sweetness.
The balance between indulgence and nutrition continues to sharpen, with brands finding ways to deliver sweetness without compromising on health. Datekin positions itself firmly in this space, with premium pitted Sukkari dates that are naturally sweet, soft and snack-ready, while also contributing towards your five-a-day. Variations include tahini-filled balls, caramel-filled cakes, and delicious sesame-coated bites.
Similarly, Love Raw has built a strong following with its vegan chocolate range, all dairy-free and palm oil-free, with highlights including the Pistachio Bliss Spread, M*lk Choc Cre&m and White Choc Cre&m wafer bars, and Peanut Butter Cups. Sunfly also stands out, offering plant-based spreads free from the top 14 allergens, while remaining protein and nutrient dense. The Sweet & Salty Sunflower Seed Butter and Cocoa variant both work well across breakfast, snacks, or something to satisfy the sweet tooth after dinner.
You can find out more about the show, read the reports and news from the brands, and dive into the world of food product discovery right here.
