Lead on ‘superfoods’ from Europe?

AUSTRALIAN food producers can take heart from new research in Europe, being presented through the upcoming Health ingredients (Hi) Europe trade show, that this major market is moving strongly to a so-called ‘superfoods’ focus on health and nutrition.

A major part of that movement is based on perceptions about the source of those superfoods – and Australian producers can play to advantage in this space, according to organisers of the event, Food ingredients Global.

Hi Europe is expecting 8000 delegates to the event being staged at Amsterdam RAI on December 2-4, and focusing on Europe’s increased demand for protein alternatives, knowledge on ingredients’ sources and superfoods.

“Today’s consumers no longer find the ‘five fruit and veg a day’ message relevant,” said Food ingredients Portfolio marketing director Georgina Smith. “Consumers now want to know where their food is sourced, how it is prepared and if the food provides them with an added extra and a super-boost of health, energy and the vitamins they need to help them perform and feel better.

“It is also evident through market research that these consumers will pay more for such food and those food manufacturers that meet these requirements will be highly successful. Hi Europe provides a unique and innovative platform for food manufacturers to find the key ingredients to enhance their current product offerings and to help drive innovation in this imminently booming market.”

The food consumption trends cited by Hi Europe also bear out the research of CSIRO, which has mainly focused on Asia Pacific demand. The quest for protein globally is one of the biggest opportunities for Australian agribusiness. The issue of food source and sustainability of production is high on the European agenda, as it is in Asia.

However, there are also some fringe offerings at Hi Europe that may open up some very unusual opportunities for innovative Australian agribusinesses – such as insect harvesting.

Exhibitor Ana Christina Day, founder and CEO of 4ento, said more than 1,000 species of edible insects currently exist, including water beetles, wasps and larvae.

“It only takes 1 litre of water to produce 1kg of crickets, in comparison to 22,000 litres of water to produce 1kg of beef”, making insects, not only a great source of protein and minerals, but highly sustainable,” Ms Day said.

Other exhibitors at the event are focused in manufacturing and promoting ‘superfood’ products, another area of expertise in Australia.

The event is part of the UBMLive group, an arm of the global events and media organisation UBM, previously known as United Business Media.

www.hieurope.com

www.foodingredientsglobal.com/europe

 

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