TANZANIAN PRODUCTS AT THE INTERNATIONAL FOOD EXHIBITION IN LONDON

For the first time, Tanzanian companies participated at the World’s most innovative food and drink event, the International Food Exhibition, on 18 – 21 March 2007 at the Excel Exhibition Centre in London

Under the co-ordination of Tanzania Trade Centre in London, facilitated by BET and SIDO, eight companies introduced their products to the UK Market through this Event.

The products which were displayed and got an opportunity to be tested include assorted spices from Zanzibar, a variety of exotic wines, honey and beeswax, beer of Serengeti, Kilimanjaro and Safari. Other products were packed tea and coffee.

Apart from physical participation and receiving some orders and enquiries representatives of companies benefited from investigating global consumer trends and buying behaviour, as well as global product innovations and sourcing supplies for their input requirements; for their continued production.

Company representatives also participated in a number of consumer related seminars (at the special Theatre) which were also taking place during the Show days.

Tanzania was the only country from the Sub-Saharan Africa to participate in the Exhibition at the official level. Other African countries were Tunisia and Egypt.

IFE is the UK’s largest dedicated food and drink exhibition that provides unparalled opportunities to discover new markets, products, companies, ideas and innovations from the UK and around the world.

Based in London, IFE attracts the international food and drink community, accurately reflecting the latest global food and drink trends and bringing international ideas to the UK market. It provided a one-stop solution for buying.

IFE07 had 13 dedicated product areas namely Food on the move, fit for kids, Organic and Natural Products, Health and Wellbeing, Ethnic and Cultural Foods, Drinks, Bakery & Confectionery, Cheese & Diary, General Food, Britain’s Speciality & Regional Food, Walk the World, Meat & Poultry and lastly Frozen Food.

The New themes at IFE 07 reflecting current trends in the food industry were:

1. Food on the move was a dedicated area for innovative products designed for consumers with busy and hectic lifestyles. Here one could discover the convenience food of the future in this area of the show.
2. Fits for Kids provided a unique platform to discover the most innovative trends in food for children; provided for by retailers, contract caterers and the food services sector looking to provide healthier alternatives for the next generation.
3. Organic & Natural Products was also among the new themes at IFE. It provided visitors a clear insight into the diversity and developments in the Organic and Natural food and drink market.
4. Health and Wellbeing, was essential for those looking for new ideas in functional food and drink and free from alternative for their shelves, menus and product ranges. This section showcased food and drink solutions for meeting consumers’ specific dietary requirements such as yeast free, gluten-free, functional foods or products based on the topical GI Index.
5. Ethnic & Cultural Foods section was designed to embrace cultural diversity, innovation and new concepts including Halal, Kosher, Indian, Chinese, Thai, African, Mexican and so much more

Tanzania’s companies were exhibiting in the Walk the World Product Section, at Stand No: N25521 of Tanzania Trade Centre. Exhibiting companies were Honey Care Africa (T) Ltd, M/S Elieshi Group, KYMS Enterprises Ltd, Tan Natural Company Ltd, YCK General Supplies, Zanzibar Spices Producers Ltd and Serengetibeer-UK.

Information on Tanzania’s participation at IFE07 can be obtained at http://www.ife.co.uk.page.cfm/action=Exhib/ExhibID=00599. The next food exhibition will be staged at the same venue in London on 15 – 18 March 2009. The next food exhibition will be staged at the same venue in London on 15 – 18 March 2009.