Diversified Communications UK, event organiser of Natural Products Scandinavia, has announced the launch of a major new international trade show for the Nordic organic food industry.
The Nordic Organic Food Fair will take place alongside the second edition of Natural Products Scandinavia at Malmö Mässan in Malmö, Sweden, on 20-21 October 2013.
The latest addition to Diversified UK’s growing trade show portfolio, the Nordic Organic Food Fair comes as a direct response to feedback received from visitors and exhibitors following the highly successful launch of Natural Products Scandinavia last October, which attracted 2,009 attendees from over 60 different countries.
Aided by years of supportive government policies towards organic practices, the majority of Nordic consumers already have a strong affinity with provenance and sustainability, and are well-informed of the health-related benefits of natural and organic products. The region’s organic food and drink market alone is estimated to be worth about EUR 2 billion (in 2011), according to leading organic data house Organic Monitor; with organic food accounting for more than 5% of all food bought in Denmark and Sweden (compared to 2% in the UK), whilst Norway boasts the highest per capita consumption of organic food.
“The enthusiastic reception for the launch of Natural Products Scandinavia last year proved that there was a substantial demand within the Nordic region for an event that reflected its strong commitment to both natural health and organic food production,” says Zoe Jackson-Cooper, event manager of the Nordic Organic Food Fair.
Forming two distinctly separate, yet co-located, trade events, Natural Products Scandinavia and the newly launched Nordic Organic Food Fair will bolstered by the large crossover in buyers, who serve both the natural health and organic food markets.
“The natural synergy between the two events will ensure there are expanded business opportunities for all attendees,” adds Jackson-Cooper, “with many buyers welcoming the opportunity to enjoy a choice of products from around 300 exhibitors, compared to 170 in 2012.”
She continues: “Nordic Organic Food Fair exhibitors will benefit from the specialist retailers, wholesalers, health food stores, importers and supermarkets that Natural Products Scandinavia already attracts. Plus – given the Scandinavian’s growing trend of using organic produce within their cuisine – we expect to see a significant increase in the number of buyers, specifiers and foodservice professionals looking to source thousands of products from over 100 certified organic food and drink exhibitors.”
The announcement has already received widespread industry support from leading organic organisations and suppliers, including KRAV Ekonomisk förening in Sweden, Organic Denmark, Organic Food Finland, and the UK’s Soil Association.
“The Nordic Organic Food Fair will serve as an important platform for the industry to meet, share ideas and promote our organic produce to the world. Malmö is the perfect location for a truly pan-Nordic trade event, which appeals to both Nordic and international buyers,” says Johan Cejie from Krav, Sweden’s leading organic certification organisation.
“We’re delighted to be supporting the new Nordic Organic Food Fair in 2013,” agrees the Soil Association Certification’s trade relations manager Lee Holdstock. “The Scandinavian markets remain in growth and presents a significant export opportunity for UK businesses looking to expand into new territories, especially those also attracted by proximity and parallel legislation.”
With over eight months to go before the opening day, Nordic Organic Food Fair has already attracted a host of key organic food and drink exhibitors, including à la eco and Malmo Chokladfabrik from Sweden; Clearspring and the Soil Association from the UK; and Frescolat SRL and Consorzio Marche Biologiche Societa Cooperativa from Italy. The show also boasts a strong German contingent, which includes Demeter e.V (who will be hosting a new show pavilion), Demeter Felderzeugnisse GmbH (Natural Cool), Holle baby food GmbH, Tilouche Food, Spielberger, Bio-Obst Augustin, Rose Bio Manufaktur and TOPAS Klaus Gaiser GmbH.
“Consumers all over Scandinavia are longing for a larger variety of organic products in their local stores, and the Nordic Organic Food Fair in Malmö will be the marketplace offering these products to the trade. We wouldn’t miss it!” says Peter Kirwel from TOPAS Klaus Gaiser GmbH, who showcased its vegan, meat-free alternative Wheaty brand at last year’s Natural Products Scandinavia.
For further information, please visit www.nordicorganicexpo.com.
• The Nordic Organic Food Fair is organised by Diversified Communications UK, who have a growing portfolio of successful events in the food sector, including The Natural Food Show, lunch!, and (new for 2014) Casual Dining in the UK. In addition to a central exhibition, the event will feature a dedicated Keynote Theatre on the show floor, hosting sessions from leading industry experts on the latest organic food market trends and developments.
