Sugar and alcohol reduction: Rising industry openness around reformulation, claims Food Matters Live Director

13 Aug 2018 --- Industry moves to overcome the sugar reduction challenge remain top of the UK NPD agenda, with a major shift towards openness around development. When Food Matters Live first started in 2014, the soft drinks industry was reluctant to speak about the issues of sugar reduction in beverages, but a new environment has now opened up, according to Event Director, Briony Mansell-Lewis.

“We have seen this change dramatically over the past four years – the industry has really stepped up and as a result, they have been forthcoming with the importance of reformulation. Manufacturers have been very open in sharing their success stories, looking for solutions in which they can contribute to the public health agenda, but also the challenges they have faced during this time.”

The shift in soft drinks are not only related to sugar reduction but also to lower or reduced alcohol content. Mansell-Lewis notes that innovation in this space has also exploded in the past few years. “Health drinks and beverages with added health claims is a trend that we have been keeping one eye on. Non-alcoholic adult soft drinks are influencing not only the more established brands but even smaller companies who are looking to tap into these trends as well,” she notes. 

Food Matters Live is a cross-sector event which is focused on the future of food, drink and sustainable nutrition. The event provides a platform for thought-provoking, cross-sector debate and encourages industry collaboration. Taking place from 20–22 November at ExCeL London, Briony Mansell-Lewis, spoke with FoodIngredientsFirst about the forthcoming event, latest industry trends and the evolution of Food Matters Live, now in its fourth year.

Beyond sugar reduction, protein innovation and alternative proteins have been growing steadily and this has been reflected in previous Food Matters Live events. According to Mansell-Lewis, environmentally conscious consumers are driving alternatives diets such as plant-based and veganism, as they look for more sustainable and ethical protein sources. “Consumer awareness and the desire to eat more sustainably are driving these trends. Changing patterns of behavior are reflected in today’s food options,” she states. 

For food and drink innovation, it is essential that Food Matters Live partners with companies that reflect health and nutrition through food and beverages which have a positive nutrition story. From an exhibition point of view, from ingredients all the way through to finished products, exhibitors must connect with the health and well-being agenda that Food Matters Live stands by, says Mansell-Lewis. 

Food Matters Live is held in London, and therefore has a UK-based stance. “We have a strategic pillar to become more international and host more country pavilions, there will be more of that this year,” reveals Mansell-Lewis. “It’s important that we showcase innovation in healthy food and drink and nutrition from around the world. International companies increasingly want to exhibit at the event and this extremely positive for us. The UK market is definitely an interesting and appealing market, for many of these companies.” 

The industry is remaining coy about Brexit so far, according to the Mansell-Lewis. “I think people are very waiting to see what happens about Brexit and I think for some countries that means that they are waiting to see for others they see it as an opportunity to access the UK market and the relevance of the UK market – it’s a very controversial area at the moment.” 

Since its first event in 2014, Mansell-Lewis has seen the transformation over the years. “It’s certainly been a journey. We have seen our brand evolve to attract the right type of companies from both food and drink brands and the ingredient sector,” she says.

With just four months until the event, Mansell-Lewis reveals the highlights not be missed. “This year, we have an unrivaled education program, including stand out speakers, such as the producer of Blue Planet II, James Honeyborne. He will be addressing the impact that the documentary has had on the awareness of plastic pollution first hand. The war against plastic is huge and on everyone’s radar – we have seen a lot of interest from companies, manufacturers and retailers who are all taking it very seriously.” 

“We also have great speakers talking about important issues such as sugar reduction, reformulation, future-proofing food and nutrition: challenging our assumptions to the way in which food is produced and consumed,” adds Mansell-Lewis. 

“There is also going to be an event which is all about food technology, connecting innovative companies that are looking to scale up to support the sustainable development of nutrition through food and drink. We are also tapping into the corporate and investor businesses that are looking to scale up – that is a new development for this year, which will be looking at food technology on a more significant scale. It’s not to be missed,” she concludes.   

By Elizabeth Green