Food and Drink Expo had a real international flavour with more than 200 exhibitors representing 32 countries.
One of the most colourful areas of the show was the Jamaican pavilion, with eight companies coming together under the new Flavours of Jamaica brand. Products included Buccaneer Rum Cakes from Honey Bun, distributed in the UK by Jahzee Products, and Ruth’s Mango Sauces, a blend of Jamaican mangoes, scotch bonnet peppers, ginger and spices. Ruth’s Sauces have a shelf life of 24 months and are widely available in the US. Brand managers are now looking for a UK distributor.
Despite the trend in the UK for premium chilled ready meals, Quebec-based company Les Plat du Chef has introduced a premium frozen French Onion Soup that will retail for £4.99 for two servings.
Health and energy drinks were also very much to the fore. Mexican producer Aloe Vera Jaumave launched a range of juices with Aloe Vera called FoodAV Therapy.
Alcoholic drinks also proved popular, including Indian lager brand adiadi.