Press Releases

FOODEX DELIVERS FOR THE LOGISTICS SECTOR

William Reed Business Media brings logistics to Foodex

As part of its strategy to establish Foodex as the premier show for the UK’s food & drink manufacturing industry, William Reed Business Media has today announced plans to incorporate its two-year-old Food & Drinks Logistics show within Foodex’s widening format. The logistics show, which attracts thousands of buyers, will become an integral part of Foodex, which attracts visitors from every area of food and drink manufacture, many of whom have an interest in the logistics sector.

The decision reflects the vital importance of specialist logistics services to the food & drinks industry and the wide ranging buying responsibilities of food manufacturing professionals. Andrew Reed, Managing Director of Events and Exhibitions for William Reed Business Media, explains:

Its many specialist requirements – from temperature control to delicately timed deliveries – makes it an important area of focus for logistics providers, who are hugely appreciative of the access we have given them to a dedicated food & drink audience. However, it has become equally clear to us that lines of interest and purchasing authority across the three areas of food processing, packaging and logistics are becoming increasingly blurred. Around 65% of visitors to Foodex have purchasing authority for logistics services as well as other areas of manufacture. So, by bringing logistics into the heart of Foodex, we’re creating a time efficient way for visitors to pursue all their areas of interest at a single show, while delivering an equally focused but larger audience for our logistics exhibitors.”

The industry’s leading trade association, The Food Storage & Distribution Federation, has pledged its support and will host a series of issue-specific topics during its breakfast meetings at the show. “Foodex is fast becoming the premier event within the UK food & drink industry and to see logistics at its heart is especially gratifying,” says the Federation’s CEO, Chris Sturman. “This is an opportunity for our members to not only to promote their services, but to create a platform for industry-wide discussion around aspects of food & drink distribution and logistics that are foremost in the minds of manufacturers and their increasingly vocal customers.” 

Foodex will feature a comprehensive programme of presentations, workshops, discussion groups and networking events related to logistics. James Surridge, Editor of the show’s media partner, Warehouse & Logistics News, will be actively involved in developing a programme which, says Surridge, “will address those issues that have greatest impact on manufacturers’ competitiveness and ability to deliver.” 

Andrew Morgan, Director of Supply Chain Europe and involved in Food & Drink Logistics Show since its launch, welcomes the move. “As a specialist research and consulting practice providing business efficiency solutions for clients in the UK and overseas markets, it is clear to us that Foodex will deliver a wider audience with an appetite to buy – not just expert logistics specifiers, but the manufacturing leaders and production specialists who, ultimately, hold the purse strings.” 

Foodex will take place between 25 and 27 March 2012 at Birminghams’ NEC. For more information about exhibiting at Foodex contact Daren Rose-Neale, Event Director, on 01293 610355 or email daren.rose-neale@wrbm.com