Food & Drink Expo, the biennial exhibition acquired by William Reed, publisher of The Grocer, earlier this year, is undergoing a thorough overhaul to give it a powerful new look and direction. The organisers are gearing up for a raft of major new initiatives to be announced in the New Year. David O'Beirne, exhibitions director for William Reed, said the strategy for Food & Drink Expo 2002 was "to make it the pre-eminent UK business to business event in the food and drink sector". Visitors to the show in March 2002 will see a much bigger event with many more suppliers and products exhibiting. This will include greater overseas participation both in trade pavilions and in individual stands. Foodservice companies will have also have greater representation as will organic lines and fresh produce. The show is also getting a new logo ­ a strawberry with the strapline Ideas to Dine For', highlighting the creative approach and new ideas that Food & Drink Expo now offers the sector. O'Beirne said: "The most important strength for Food & Drink Expo is that it is now backed by Britain's predominant food and drink publishing organisation and the leading trade titles, The Grocer and Off Licence News. "This is something no other food exhibition can offer." He added: "The food and drink sector has never been more vibrant and we want a show that reflects this position. "Our aim is to deliver to our visitors the very best ideas and products that are around. "Succeeding in this will help our visitors businesses to be more profitable. It will also of course grow the businesses of the suppliers who take part in the show. We tested the new look and approach at the recent SIAL exhibition in Paris and response was very favourable, especially from the strong international contingent in Paris." The organisers of Food & Drink Expo can be contacted on 01293 610 388. {{NEWS }}

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