Several factors contribute to the surge in popularity of mushroom supplements:

Functional foods are foods that provide medical or health benefits, in addition to nutritional benefits. Examples of such include fermented foods such as yoghurts and kefir, foods with omega-3 such as wild-caught fish, nuts and seeds, teas, herbs and spices and fresh fruits and vegetables.

There are multiple factors suggested for the increasing awareness and consumption of functional foods, including the COVID-19 pandemic, rising interest and awareness in utilising diet to promote wellness, and rapid advances in science and technology.

In 2024, we expect this rising trend to continue with people continuing to consume functional foods to support their health and wellness. In fact, we think this trend is here to stay for a while, as according to industry research by Grand View Research, the global functional foods market is estimated

This trend doesn’t just cover foods, we project to continue to see a huge rise in functional beverages too. Kombucha has been a dominant player in functional beverages for many years for its probiotic gut-boosting properties. This year we anticipate a surge in functional beverages fortified with immune-boosting properties. These beverages, ranging from shots to dissolvable powders, are brimming with a blend of vitamins, antioxidants, probiotics, and plant-based elements. Designed to amplify our daily intake of essential nutrients and strengthen our body’s natural defences, expect to see these multi-ingredient wellness drinks a lot. We expect to see them in shot form and packaged in miniature bottles.

With the increasing popularity of functional foods and drinks, regulatory agencies are subsequently monitoring health claims made by the companies selling these products. Not only this, but consumers are also expressing a desire for these products to be able to evidence their claims. This is likely why it was found that there has been a recent increase in customers reporting that a product that is backed by medical professionals would promote authenticity and consequently increase their trust in the product.

This was found to be more important to them than foods that were labelled as “clean”. As a result, companies have responded by investing in scientific research to substantiate the effectiveness of their products, with a real push on consumer education to ensure transparency and trust.

This leads to our next point…

In last year’s blog, we mentioned clean labels and we believe it still continues to be a trend continuing into 2024. There is no legal definition for “clean label” and subsequently, there are varying definitions of what a clean label is. It was first coined in the 1990s by the International Food Information Council (IFIC), which defined it as “a product that has a simple, clear, and understandable ingredient list”. However, over time there has been varying interpretations and deviations from this original definition of clean label. Dr Kantha Shelke describes how “clean is in the eye of the beholder” and what may be “clean label” in one sector may not be in another food sector.

Considering what we have covered already in this blog around consumers placing high importance on clinical evidence to backs up health claims, it’s never been so important to get a clean label right. Not only do customers want simple and clear ingredient lists, they want evidence the ingredients work how they’re being told they work. This tells us that strategic labelling and packaging should be prioritised by brands to strike the balance between providing simple and clear information, but in a way that promotes the efficacy of the claims behind their ingredients.

If you’re interested in learning more about clean labelling, and the brands that are being awarded for their commitment in this area, check out the Clean Label Project.

The rise of flexitarians is a significant trend we expect to continue to shape the food and wellness market landscape in 2024. We are seeing less of consumers committing to a stricter diet, with preferences shifting to a more relaxed approach to diets and eating in a more flexible way that meet their health needs.

BENEO’s 2023 consumer survey revealed that while only 10% of polled individuals in the U.S. identify as vegans, vegetarians, or pescatarians, a much larger portion—21%—consider themselves flexitarians. Among flexitarians, nearly half already purchase plant-based dairy alternatives. This demographic represents a substantial 42% of the market, overshadowing the numbers of vegans and vegetarians, who respectively account for only 4% and 6% globally. This shift towards flexitarianism is driving growth in the plant-based food market, which is expected to reach USD $74.2 billion by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.9% from 2020. By catering to flexitarians rather than solely targeting vegans or vegetarians, companies can double their market reach.

As our understanding of the environmental effects of meat consumption and the health advantages of reducing meat intake has grown, the decision to adopt a flexitarian diet is driven by a variety of motivations beyond the traditional ethical considerations associated with strict vegetarian or vegan diets. In research conducted by IFIC, 34% of Americans said environmental sustainability is highly impactful on their food and beverage consumption decisions. Similarly, 35% said the climate friendliness of a product has an impact on their purchasing decisions.

With this in mind, it’s no surprise that we are also seeing an increase in the introduction of hybrid products as companies are tailoring to flexitarians who make up such a large portion of the market. A systematic review completed by Grasso and Goksen found results from recent consumer studies show a positive attitude towards the concept of hybrid meat products and high attitude towards and high intention to buy hybrid products (and this was true also for consumers that are highly attached to meat).

However, it is important to understand the motives behind hybrid meat product interest and use them appropriately in the marketing of these products (for example with messages on health or environment).

We have seen consumers becoming increasingly aware of the calorie content of food and drink in recent years, particularly since April 2022 when calorie labelling legislation came into place in the UK. However, we are seeing a shift where customers are becoming increasingly aware of “empty calories” and therefore are less interested in just the calorie content and more about the specific ingredients and nutrients in foods they’re consuming. This is likely to tie in to the first trend we mentioned about functional foods and how consumers are viewing their food and drink choices as a tool to support their health and wellbeing.

This trend can be attributed to changing consumer perceptions of what constitutes “healthy” foods. According to a study conducted by the International Food Information Council last year, there has been an increase in individuals selecting “a good source of whole grains” when asked to define healthy foods. Among the various options provided, a good sources of protein, natural foods, good source of nutrients, good source of fibre, and those containing fruits and vegetables ranked higher than low-calorie options in terms of what people consider to be the best indicators of healthy food.

References

[1] https://www.mintel.com/global-food-and-drink-trends-2030

[1] https://www.launchjuice.io/top-5-wellness-trends-for-2023-and-how-to-capitalize-on-them/

[1] https://foodinstitute.com/focus/ai-predicts-3-food-trends-for-2023/

[1] https://www.mintel.com/global-food-and-drink-trends-2030

[1] https://www.mintel.com/global-food-and-drink-trends-2030

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regenerative_agriculture

[1] https://www.danone.com/impact/planet/regenerative-agriculture.html

[1] https://foodinstitute.com/focus/ai-predicts-3-food-trends-for-2023/

[1] https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/21805-three-trend-predictions-for-2023-revealed-at-ift-first

[1] https://www.nutritioninsight.com/news/trending-in-gut-health-branded-probiotics-build-consumer-trust-says-kerry-expert.html

[1] https://www.lactalisingredients.com/news/blog/on-the-horizon-for-2023-at-the-heart-of-nutrition-trends/

We think it’s safe to say that 2022 dealt us quite a bad hand in terms of the impact of global warming, the war in Ukraine, and a global economic crisis. Now, we don’t mean to start this blog on a sour note, however, it would be naive of us to think that the worldwide food and beverage market has been unaffected by such devastating events.

Unlike our previous health and wellness trend predictions, this year we’re going to focus on the changing wants and needs of consumers, in light of current events, and provide insight for food and beverage producers in this space to make the most out of the opportunities available to them in 2023.

According to research conducted by Mintel^[1], “Consumers will increasingly reward the companies that make a difference with their loyalty in the next 10 years”.  So, with this in mind, we’ve identified five areas of focus:

Let’s break these down individually and take a closer look at what health and wellness brands can be doing to meet consumer expectations in 2023, and start maximising on that all-important customer loyalty.

Since the Coronovirus pandemic started, consumers around the world are making a conscious decision to better educate themselves about nutrition, combined with physical exercise, mental health, and general wellness.

This is expected to continue through 2030, with consumers utilising technology and data to learn about their individual needs and areas of improvement.

Companies can build on this in two ways, ahead of and throughout 2023:

For small-medium sized companies the first option may be more obtainable in terms of the funds and effort that would need to be invested.

Emma Dunstone-Brown, Founder & Chief Innovation Strategist of LaunchJuice, provides some useful guidance here:

“If you offer any type of fitness or wellness product, consider adding nutrition education to your offerings. You can do this by hiring a qualified nutritionist to teach classes or workshops, or even creating your own educational materials. Knowledge is empowering to consumers but it is often confusing to know where to go and which sources of information to trust.”^[1]

Providing educational, science-backed resources will help to build customer loyalty in your brand and products.

Not only will this support your existing customer experience, but it can also help to draw in new clientele in 2023. Incorporating nutrition education in a strong SEO and social media strategy can boost lead generation and new sales, and who doesn’t want that?!

If the budget allows, developing your own mobile app can be another fantastic format to share your educational resources. And, if developed with a data-collection partner, will enable you to get to know your customers on an individual level. A great source for developing new, engaging content that consumers want to read.

UK-based Holland & Barrett does this really well in the form of The Health Hub which makes up part of their online store. As well as nutrition education, Holland & Barrett has collated a huge array of resources around and health and wellness that is not only supported by science, but is accessible for all consumers. A fantastic example of how your brand could do the same in 2023.

Given the fact that consumers are arming themselves with the information they need to make more informed decisions about the food they eat, they are now demanding that manufacturers provide clean labelling on products.

Not only does clean labelling impact ingredients, it also covers consumers’ interest in learning where their food comes from and how it is produced. For example, research company Spoonshot has noted an increase in the number of meat products that are highlighting attributes such as the animals being grass fed, antibiotic free and grown on regenerative agriculture on their packaging.^[1]

Not only does clean labelling impact ingredients, it also covers consumers’ interest in learning where their food comes from and how it is produced. For example, research company Spoonshot has noted an increase in the number of meat products that are highlighting attributes such as the animals being grass fed, antibiotic free and grown on regenerative agriculture on their packaging.^[1]

At first, it might be difficult for food and beverage companies to implement clean labelling, but 2023 is the perfect time to start, and potentially get ahead of the competition.

Brands like Goodles, True Elements and Madhava are great examples of how food producers can work towards clean labelling over the coming months.

Since consumers’ expectations are high in this area, demand will drive manufacturers to provide clean labels for all products. It’s likely that clean labelling will be a prerequisite for food and beverages in the very near future. Definitely something to consider as we head towards a new year.

If you’re interested in learning more about clean labelling, and the brands that are being awarded for their commitment in this area, check out the Clean Label Project.

“The industry will be compelled to elevate the role of nature, and humans, in the storytelling of these new, modern solutions.

Transparency of information is essential to building trust in a future where scientists play as integral a role as farmers.

And championing the people behind the food—whether it is grown in a laboratory or a field—will remain a timeless way of building trust with consumers”

Alex Beckett

Associate Director, Mintel Food & Drink

Global temperatures reached an all time high in 2022, resulting in failed crops, shortages in water, and poor soil quality. It’s highly likely that we won’t truly see the impact of this until 2023 when supply chains may stall or fail.

We’ve already seen such issues in Ukraine where damage to wheat and grain fields have resulted in poor harvests as a result of the on-going conflict.

According to research conducted by Mintel^[1], by 2030 consumers will be more invested in agriculture, the challenges faced, the alternatives available, and the overall impact on the quality of the food and drinks they buy.

“Regenerative agriculture is a conservation and rehabilitation approach to food and farming systems. It focuses on topsoil regeneration, increasing biodiversity, improving the water cycle, enhancing ecosystem services, supporting biosequestration, increasing resilience to climate change, and strengthening the health and vitality of farm soil.”^[1]

“We’re looking at a very real possibility of a future with limited access to fish and seafood…It has become absolutely vital for innovation in seafood alternatives to happen now.”

Kishan Vasan

Co-founder and CEO, Spoonshot

And there we have it! Five interesting areas of focus for health and wellness brands as we head into 2023: nutrition education, clean labelling, regenerative agriculture, fish alternatives, and biotics.

Here at Bolst Global we predict that 2023 will be the year that health and wellness brands shift their focus from developing brand new products, and instead focus on the wants, needs and expectations of their customers, incorporating this into existing product lines.

From education to sustainability, brands should be listening to consumers more than ever before and planning for the future. The five trends highlighted here reflect this well and we’re super excited to see which brands embrace this over the next year.

Why not let us know your own predictions for next year or get in touch to find out how Bolst Global can help your brand reach new markets in 2023.

References

[1] https://www.mintel.com/global-food-and-drink-trends-2030

[1] https://www.launchjuice.io/top-5-wellness-trends-for-2023-and-how-to-capitalize-on-them/

[1] https://foodinstitute.com/focus/ai-predicts-3-food-trends-for-2023/

[1] https://www.mintel.com/global-food-and-drink-trends-2030

[1] https://www.mintel.com/global-food-and-drink-trends-2030

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regenerative_agriculture

[1] https://www.danone.com/impact/planet/regenerative-agriculture.html

[1] https://foodinstitute.com/focus/ai-predicts-3-food-trends-for-2023/

[1] https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/21805-three-trend-predictions-for-2023-revealed-at-ift-first

[1] https://www.nutritioninsight.com/news/trending-in-gut-health-branded-probiotics-build-consumer-trust-says-kerry-expert.html

[1] https://www.lactalisingredients.com/news/blog/on-the-horizon-for-2023-at-the-heart-of-nutrition-trends/

Although collagen enriched products and supplements have been around for years, consumers are now more clued up on the many health benefits collagen brings. This rise in awareness has resulted in many brands embracing collagen to meet demand.

In this deep-dive, we’re going to provide insights into the following areas:

Found in a variety of animals, collagen is a fibrous element that can be extracted from bones, tendons and ligaments for use in the manufacture of medicines, supplements, cosmetics, and food and beverages.

Our bodies also create collagen in order to support the development and preservation of our skin, bones, teeth, muscles and many other parts of the body.

Unfortunately, the production of collagen starts to decline as we get older. It is this which causes our skin to lose elasticity, whilst the health of our teeth, hair and nails also starts to decline.

The production of collagen begins to decrease at a rate of 1% per year from the age of 25 onwards. So by the time that we reach 50 years of age, we will have lost around 50% of our naturally produced collagen.

For this reason, we need to look towards alternative sources of collagen to help boost our natural levels and provide a variety of additional health benefits. Let’s take a look at some of them now.

Collagen is synonymous with youthful skin, strong nails and beautiful, healthy hair, but there are many other benefits that it brings. In fact, the entire human body relies on collagen for strength and functionality.

Collagen is a critical component in the development of strong bones and helps to improve Bone Mineral Density (BMD). BMD is a key indicator of the strength of your bones and can identify conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis. Studies suggest that collagen may also help prevent bone loss altogether.

In addition to bone health, collagen also helps to restore cartilage loss caused by the general wear and tear of the natural ageing process and joint friction. Alongside this, collagen also helps repair damaged ligaments and tendons.

The good news is that lost or declining levels of collagen can easily be restored by taking an over-the-counter supplement to boost BMD, with cosmetic benefits to boot! So let’s find out about the overall size of the collagen market, and the trends we can expect to see more of in the coming months.

The global collagen market is expected to reach $5.77bn USD by 2028, with a CAGR of 5.5% between 2021 and 2028^[1].

The table below summarises findings collated by Databridge^[2] to provide an overview of the collagen market in 2021, and give insight into the current state of the market.

Key drivers for this growth include the demand for collagen fortified beverages and collagen enriched cosmetics.

Whilst opportunities are presented as a result of lifestyle changes, new health habits, and increased demand for functional and fortified food products. Emerging markets that present great opportunities for collagen brands are South Africa, the Middle East, South America, and Eastern Europe^[1].

Did you know that there are at least 16 different types of collagen in your body? But types I, II and III make up for around 85% of this. And, types I and III are the most abundant.

Let’s take a look at the difference between these three types of collagen, and what they actually do for us.

Type I collagen gives us strong nails, healthy hair, and plump, hydrated skin. Boosting type I collagen through supplements and skincare can help minimise fine lines and wrinkles as we get older. If you’re looking to increase your levels of type I collagen, then look for marine sources which are the most abundant for this type of collagen.

In comparison, type II collagen supports healthy joints. Type II is found in our cartilage, spine, and eyes. As we age, we experience general wear and tear in our joints so it’s highly recommended to find additional sources of type II collagen to help rebuild some of those connective tissues.

Finally, type III collagen often comes hand-in-hand with type I collagen to result in healthy, youthful skin, as well as promoting gut health. Type III is in its greatest abundance within our digestive, muscle, and circulatory systems. Bovine collagen is a great source of type III collagen, so keep an eye out for this ingredient.

When it comes to boosting our natural collagen, there are two main forms of collagen: powder and liquid.

These forms are then used in a variety of different products such as cosmetics, gels, drinks, capsules, snack bars, broths, supplements, and much more!

Now, these forms and products are not suitable for all. We’ll take a look at this in the next section.

So far we’ve seen that collagen can be harnessed through a variety of animal-derived products, however, these forms are not suitable for all consumers.

In today’s world, consumers are more conscious of what they are putting into their bodies than ever before. We’re also more aware of allergies, intolerances, and overall dietary requirements.

And this is one area that can be difficult for producers of collagen products. Let’s take a look at a couple of examples.

Followers of religions that forbid the consumption of animal products are restricted in the types of collagen products they can consume. Collagen is often derived from the bones, hooves, and skins of animals, meaning many consumers are looking for alternatives.

Muslim communities around the world strictly steer clear of pork products and therefore prefer to consume collagen that comes from halal-certified bovine sources or marine collagen. This is important information for brands looking to expand their collagen products overseas, as pork-based collagen will not be accepted in Muslim countries, including the Middle East.

Similar considerations should be made for the Jewish and Hindu communities where marine, poultry, or plant-based collagens may prove more widely accepted.

Then there are the vegetarian and vegan communities. Now, you might be surprised to hear that there is such a thing as vegan-friendly collagen, however, it’s not as easy to get hold of due to the process needed to create it.

In fact, vegan collagen has to be made in a lab, taking human genes and adding them to the genetic structure of yeast or bacteria. The process takes time and therefore hasn’t reached mainstream use in the health or cosmetic industries.

For this reason, the vegan-friendly supplements you’ll see on shelves are actually collagen-promoting in nature, meaning they help to stimulate the natural production of collagen by providing the nutrients your body needs.

This natural process can also be supported by eating tempeh, tofu, beans, seeds and nuts, which are high in amino acids, all of which are typical elements of a vegan diet.

We predict that there will be an increased demand for plant-based collagen in the coming years as more consumers shift to this lifestyle. This provides a huge opportunity for brands to enter this space in the market through innovative new processes and ingredients.

Since we’ve now learnt all about collagen, where it comes from, and what health benefits it brings, let’s take a look at some brands that each bring a unique value proposition to the global market.

Brand: MojoMe

Location: South Africa

Unique Product: Collagen bone broths

Hailing from one of the collagen markets to watch in the coming years, MojoMe, brings a unique quality to the global collagen market in the form of its collagen bone broths

MojoMe’s bone broths are available in two flavours, savoury beef and jalapeno chicken. These instant broths are ready in minutes and help consumers to build a strong immune system to fight against possible infections.

In 2020, MojoMe won a World Food Innovation Award for its bone broth, which delivers a huge amount of protein, whilst being low in fat. In every 12 gram serving, MojoMe’s bone broth delivers 10 grams of collagen peptides.

MojoMe carries a wide range of collagen products in addition to the bone broths. You can even buy collagen products specially formulated for cats and dogs!

View MojoMe’s full range of products here.

Brand: Vital Proteins

Location: United States

Unique Product: Collagen Creamers

Established in 2013, Vital Proteins has become one of the most recognisable brands in the collagen space, now shipping globally.

Vital Proteins focus on using collagen to promote natural beauty and support the effects of ageing, in an easy and convenient way that fits into our daily lives.

Offering an incredibly diverse range of products, Vital Proteins utilizes bovine collagen peptides and marine collagen across the range. What’s special about Vital Proteins is the format in which it delivers collagen boosters. You can find powders, capsules, beauty products, lattes, and creamers.

The collagen creamers are available in three flavours – vanilla, coconut and mocha – and allow consumers to replace their usual creamer with a collagen enriched equivalent that delivers great results and tastes great!

Vital Proteins’ innovative approach has resulted in a global cult following, including celebrities and influencers. Vital Proteins has been using this to its advantage in the form of celebrity endorsements and collaborations. For example, producing a limited run of collagen teas and lattes with Kourtney Kardashian’s brand Poosh.

Explore Vital Proteins’ extensive range of collagen-enriched products here.

Brand: Starpowa

Location: United Kingdom

Unique Product: Vegan Collagen Gummies

UK supplement brand Starpowa’s mission is to “create innovative products that help people love themselves, the planet and each other.”

And the team is able to deliver this through their range of gummies. These gummies do not contain artificial flavours, gelatin or added sugar.

What’s unique about Starpowa is the way they have been able to produce ‘clean’ gummies and incorporate vegan collagen into two of their best-selling products.

Starpowa’s products are made in the UK and are available globally through their website as well as other stockists and health food stores.

Check out Starpowa’s full range of vegan gummies here.

Brand: Planet Paleo

Location: United Kingdom

Unique Product: Therapeutic Collagen

Planet Paleo has a unique and diverse certified organic collagen offering. Designed for busy lifestyles, their  Collagen Hottie range with a 5g dose of therapeutic collagen per serving alongside high quality organic herbs and functional ingredients, it is the perfect way to get a daily hit of collagen that supports overall health and well-being.

The brand also has developed Europe’s first organically certified collagen bone broth protein powder. These have been created in its purest form or with turmeric and other herbs in such a way they can be added to savoury recipes or consumed on its own.

Distinctively too, the range has two organic bone broth sports protein powders in sweet flavours but without sugar, fillers, artificial flavours or preservatives.

From the few brands we’ve presented here, we have seen how diverse and innovative the collagen market is. And this is very exciting for the future.

And, this is where Bolst Global can help. Whether you’re a manufacturer of collagen products or a distributor or retailer looking to bring new products to your home market we may be your perfect partner.

Our team specialises in the Health and Wellness space and we have supported many brand owners and suppliers to understand and navigate new export markets via our expert knowledge. We are already working in the vibrant collagen space so get in touch today to find out how we can help you!

References

[1] https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/free-from-food-market-A06007

[2] https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/free-from-food-market

[3] https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/free-from-food-market

[4] https://erudus.com/food-allergens/

[5] https://www.beyondceliac.org/celiac-disease/

[6] https://www.supermarketperimeter.com/articles/7180-gluten-free-shows-staying-power-in-grocery-bakery

[7] https://www.supermarketperimeter.com/articles/7180-gluten-free-shows-staying-power-in-grocery-bakery

Gulfood 2023 is almost upon us and we’re super excited for all of the opportunities this show brings.

Last year was the first face-to-face Gulfood exhibition since the pandemic and it was fantastic to be out in market meeting our network again in person. Gulfood 2023 is set to be bigger and better with many more businesses feeling comfortable and confident again with international travel.

Our team will be at Gulfood to facilitate international trade deals with our network of distributors and retailers. In addition, we will be helping out on the Department for International Trade stand showcasing a new UK keto brand Eva Bold and representing a number of amazing health food brands in our portfolio.

This event is the largest food and drink trade show in the world and is one not to be missed if you are an aspiring brand looking to increase your international trade opportunities or a buyer looking for the next best trending products from around the world.

If you are planning to attend or exhibit at this years show, here are our top three tips for a successful trip.

Gulfood 2020 was the last large scale (in person) trade show that many in the food and beverage industry attended before the Covid-19 pandemic forced us to retreat into our homes in such an unprecedented way.

Since then, many of us have had to adapt to a new style of working and leverage technology to retain or establish our professional links. It really hasn’t been easy, juggling and blurring home and work lives in a way that has led some to exhaustion, elevated stress and despair.

As we entered 2022 there still seemed no end in sight, with the latest Omnicron variant appearing to be the next challenge we were going to face…and yet dare I say it, the Covid situation has somewhat dissipated, and life seems to be returning to normal. Certainly this is the case from a UK perspective, with no further Covid restrictions in place and the return to work based environments and socialising.

Here our founder Victoria talks about her latest experience of being part of Gulfood 2022.

After a bit of a struggle getting out of the UAE in January, I’m pleased to say, the Gulfood trade show this year (2022) was a huge success. The appetite to do business at the show was clear to see with the concourses and halls jam packed!

Back to the days of struggling to wheel my suitcase around, full to the brim of product samples to show potential buyers, what a great problem to have after so long- I am certainly not complaining!

Of course, the size of the show wasn’t quite as big as before with overflow halls set up in tents around the DWTC venue like I have seen before. Having said that, most of the usual halls were full and either divided by ‘food or drink category’ or by Country pavilions, like in the Trade Center Arena and Sheikh Saeed Halls.

Most of my days at the show this year were taken up with meeting existing contacts, this was either on their own stand or in the infamous bustling coffee places in and around the DWTC.

Having not been able to travel the Middle East region that much these past two years, it was fantastic to have a whistle stop tour of the region and get up to speed on what is happening via my trusted contacts.

I am very much looking forward to getting out to more international markets in the months to come.

It was great to see the exhibition halls full of the usual big players as well as plenty of new faces and brands showcasing their products for the very first time.

Despite the mandatory mask wearing, there were certainly a lot of tired but content smiles behind the masks by the end of the trade show (it is a five-day show, one of the longest I know!)

The comments from those I spoke to about their participation was certainly favourable and they were pleased in the attendance and leads generated. Although, as we all know, it is down to the follow up and continuing those initial fruitful conversations back home as well as leveraging technology as much as we have learnt to do over the past couple of years.

Having been fortunate enough to be in the market prior to the trade show, we spent a lot of time analysing the UAE market and its current trends and opportunities.

Many retailers and distributors were happy to open their doors for face-to-face meetings. As such, we were able to speak candidly, for much longer than a quick 10 minutes at the trade show and truly understand what they are actively looking for in terms of products/hot categories.

If you’d like to apply for some of our current opportunities in the UAE, please click the button below and use the contact form associated with the relevant product opportunity.

Finally, for those of you looking to visit the UAE before the end of March 2022 we can’t not mention the Dubai Expo 2020, which is a must visit attraction, even when you are away on business!

There is so much to see and many of the major airlines such as Emirates are offering a complimentary day pass for you to go and see this temporary Expo whilst you still can! I visited twice during my trip in the UAE – once in the evening and once during the day, both of which give you different experiences. Seeing the richness and experiences of the many pavilions are not to be missed! Personal highlights from me were the Saudi Arabia, the Women’s and the GCC Pavilions as well as the impressive Al Wasl Plaza with its light and entertainment show. Check out some of these photos from the Dubai Expo and make sure you take the time to see it if you can when in market!

All in all, I had an incredible and enjoyable time back out in the Middle East and participating in Gulfood. If you are considering attending or exhibiting at Gulfood 2023, take a look at our Top Three Tips For a Successful Gulfood Exhibition

We are now looking forward to the forthcoming London, UK shows which are IFE and Natural & Organic Products Europe (NOPE) in March and April 2022 respectively.  At the NOPE event I will also be speaking on global trading opportunities at the show and offering the 1000+ exhibitors the chance to connect and discuss their international needs and aspirations with myself and the team.

If anyone reading this is attending or exhibiting these shows and would like to meet with us there to discuss your internationalisation needs and support please get in contact via the form below to book a meeting.

We would be delighted to see you there and everyone hopefully starts getting out and about again!