Nordic Organic Food Fair reports 13% increase

Nordic Organic Food Fair (picture) has announced a 13% increase in total attendance for 2014. The event welcomed 3,558 natural and organic industry professionals from 51 countries to its second edition in Malmö, Sweden, on 26 - 27 October. Having more than doubled in size since its launch last year, the show offered visiting retailers and foodservice professionals a vibrant showcase of healthy, sustainable, natural, raw, organic food and drink, and speciality ingredients. Co-located with Natural Products Scandinavia, the combined events featured 310 exhibiting brands.
 

Show highlights included live cooking demonstrations from renowned Swedish chefs Paul Svensson (see picture), who also opened the show, and Anders Ramsay, plus Organic Theatre sessions from IFOAM EU council member Kjell Sjödahl Svensson; Rolf Bjerndell; Cecilia Ryegård from Ekoweb; Morten Hammerich, CEO of Fazer Food Services; and Lee Holdstock from Soil Association Certification.
 

As with many shows, sourcing new products and finding new suppliers topped the list of most important reasons for attending, and this year’s New Products Showcase generated a wealth of interest over the two days. Featuring over 90 entries for 2014, visitors voted for their favourite products throughout the show’s opening day.

This year’s award winners include:

Lifetime Achievement Award Organic: Mikael Robertsson, Ekopallen & Organic Sweden
Best New Organic Food Product: Union Rexi - Organic Dehydrated Persimmons
Best New Organic Drink/Beverage: Primewine - Duval-Leroy Brut Organic
Best New Organic Special Diet Food: Bioglan Superfoods -  Bioglan
Best New Packaging Design: DO-IT Dutch Organic International Trade - Amaizin
Best New Natural Food Product: Goodtrade Scandinavia - Jeezly - Vegan Cheese
Best New Natural Drink Product: Mabroc Teas - Mabroc Ayurveda Boutique Range

Looking ahead to 2015, the show’s exhibitor list already includes a host of big name brands. Event organiser Diversified Communications UK has also announced a 30% increase in stands to accommodate growing demand from certified organic food and drink suppliers.  The expansion will grow the show from 131 to around 170 exhibiting companies for its third edition. Nordic Organic Food Fair will return to Malmö, Sweden, on 1-2 November 2015. More information is available here.