Trade fairs are increasingly expanding and diversifying their product offerings to ensure attendees get the most out of their visit to the shows.
Gourmet foods have been making inroads into the European and US shows over the last few years so it was no surprise to see Gourmet Shop this year at Ambiente, with 12 exhibitors making up this fast-growing sector.
Located in the dining section, Ambiente director for dining, Thomas Kastl, says the location will help this successful market expand internationally.
“The Gourmet Shop will benefit particularly from being close to exhibitors with various types of products but still covering the dining sector,” he says.
“Moreover, it offers buyers a decisive advantage because they can round off their assortments perfectly with gourmet products at the same time as keeping the focus on gifts.”
Dethlefsen & Balk was one of the exhibitors at Gourmet Shop, showcasing the beans to make cold-brew coffee, a current trend in the US that is also gaining popularity in Australia. For tea lovers there was Tee-Maass, a traditional tea importer, while a must for all chocolate aficionados was Le Comptoir de Mathilde, offering everything from tongs to spoons for immersing dark chocolate in hot milk.
Kastl expects the gourmet food trend to continue to grow. “Culinary treats continue to be very popular including those that are likely to be rare in everyday life such as high grade oil, fine pesto, sauces, dips and chocolate creations.
“Consumers look for top quality as well as appealing presentation, so creations such as hazelnut mustard or strawberry liqueur in grappa are sure to have potential.”
The next Ambiente is held from 10 to 14 February 2017.
By Marion Gerritsen
