Fi & Hi Europe returns to France this year. From December 6 to 8, the leading ingredients fair will be held for the first time at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles exhibition centre. More than 1,200 exhibitors – from leading ingredients manufacturers to highly specialized startups – will present themselves in four halls. The face-to-face exhibition will be complemented by a comprehensive online offering. A broad conference programme, as well as the renowned Innovation Awards and Startup.
Innovation Challenge, will complete the trade show experience
In the heart of Paris, Fi & Hi Europe is set to attract exhibitors and attendees from more than 135 countries around the world. The new Paris Expo Porte de Versailles location is within walking distance of many hotels, restaurants and bars, making logistics easier and the event more visitor-friendly than ever before. Many leading ingredient manufacturers have already confirmed their participation in Paris, including ADM, Beneo, Brenntag, Cargill, DSM and Ingredion. In addition to well-established companies, many new players have also announced their intention to present their solutions to the industry. In addition, there will be more country pavilions this year than ever before.
Digitally enabled event concept
This year, Informa Markets is focusing on a technologically enhanced hybrid show concept. The combination of online and face-to-face events offers participants the best of both worlds, including a wide variety of live and on-demand content as well as data-driven networking options. All exhibiting companies have their own online profile, allowing them to find relevant contacts, network and set up virtual or face-to-face meetings before the event. A smartphone app also facilitates on-site lead generation.
“We look forward to welcoming visitors and exhibitors from around the world to an event that no one in the ingredients industry should miss,” says Julien Bonvallet, Group Brand Director at Informa Markets. “After months of restriction and uncertainty, many people have a great need for face-to-face meetings. But even those who prefer to participate online can do so easily thanks to our technical solutions.”
Multifaceted conference programme
The online event will begin on 28 November, the week before doors open at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. It offers an extensive conference programme covering the hottest topics in the industry, with a focus on plant-based nutrition, health & wellness, and reformulation. In addition, interested participants will find a wealth of information on application areas that are currently trending – such as baked goods, snacks, dairy products and dairy alternatives. Overall, the conference programme includes more than 55 expert sessions on-site and online, giving global audiences access to invaluable knowledge.
The platform Fi Global insights provides a lot of additional information as well as exclusive reports covering the following topics:
- Protein
- Dairy and Dairy Alternatives
- Snacks, Backery and Confectionery
- Plant-based
- Sustainability
- Beverages
Market products in the spotlight
On-site, the New Product Zone in cooperation with Innova Market Insights offers an extensive selection of the most innovative products, showcased alongside insightful information. It features product innovations from leading industry players and provides the perfect opportunity to give new ingredients the introduction to the market that they deserve. A popular area for visitors and the press, this feature has become a trendsetting spot for the nutrition industry.
Fi Europe Innovation Awards
The renowned Fi Europe Innovation Awards will once again be adding extra value to the trade show. With one exception, the awards will only be presented among Fi Europe exhibitors: The new “Food Training & Education” category is also open to non-exhibitors. This award is intended to recognise a company, institution or organisation that contributes to better consumer health, for example, through an educational initiative or a pioneering approach. The “Sustainability Innovation Award” recognises environmentally, economically or socially sustainable approaches and practices in the food and beverage industry. Companies that create equal opportunities in the work environment receive the “Diversity & Inclusion Innovation Award”. The “Plant-based Innovation Award” acknowledges alternatives to animal products and is given for the best ingredient or application. In the “Sensory Innovation” category, the award is for an ingredient or process that improves the overall sensory properties of foods or beverages. The “Health Innovation Award” honours an ingredient or process that provides a health benefit. The “Food Tech Innovation Award” goes to companies that have developed innovative processes, packaging or waste reduction solutions.
The decision as to who receives awards is made by industry experts from the fields of consulting, management, product development and trade media. Prof. Colin Dennis, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the IFIS organization and member of the Board of Trustees of the British Nutrition Foundation, will again chair the jury this year. The winners of all categories will be announced during Fi & Hi Europe at a ceremony on December 6.
Award for innovative startups
The Fi Global Startup Innovation Challenge also enables young companies to present their innovative concepts, products and ideas to an international audience of experts, major companies and sponsors. All companies founded no more than five years ago are eligible to participate. They can apply in one or more of the following categories:
- Most innovative ingredient for food or beverage
- Most innovative plant-based or alternative ingredient
- Most innovative processing technology
- Most innovative service, technology or digital solution for the food and beverage industry
Finalists and winners will have access to the Startup Lounge, where they can present their products and solutions on the Innovation Hub stage, and network with industry representatives. Both the pitches and the award ceremony will also be streamed via the Fi Europe online platform and remain permanently available. Winners will have a choice of several attractive prizes: A fully equipped booth at Fi Europe next year, a comprehensive online marketing package or an individual mentoring programme. The latter can be coaching, for example, or the implementation of a pilot project, or it can include access to corporate collaborations and business accelerator programmes.
In addition to the Innovation Hub, visitors will find the new Sustainability Hub at the exhibition, which focuses on sustainable food solutions along the entire value chain. Here visitors will find information on food waste, circular economy, regenerative agriculture and many other topics. Finally, the Women’s Networking Breakfast, sponsored by DSM, Lunch & Learn and other events are perfect for building a professional network.
