Confex event goes from strength to strength

With more than 2,000 deals up for grabs, it’s hardly a surprise the Confex annual foodservice fair was deemed a huge success by attendees

The event, which took place at Stratford-upon-Avon Racecourse on 12 September, saw more than 70 foodservice suppliers showcase their products to the Confex foodservice membership.

“This event has just grown and grown,” said Tom Gittins, CEO, Confex. “What began just after the pandemic as quite a small gathering of our foodservice-only members and suppliers has now become a major date in the Confex calendar. Each year there are more brands exhibiting and more members attending, and today we’ve achieved record numbers. It’s been brilliant to see so many different conversations taking place, all focused on future growth.”

“It’s been a great show, not just to raise awareness of our brands but also to meet with so many Confex members so that we can fully understand what their customers are looking for,” said Gavin Simpson, business manager, Britvic. “It’s always really beneficial to meet wholesalers in person and put plans in place to drive sales and identify new opportunities.”

Confex’s cyber security partner Cyber Tzar was also in attendance. Chair Charles Andrews said: “This is my first Confex event and it’s been brilliant to have the chance to explain to members how we’re working with the group and the huge benefits that this brings to the whole supply chain. The atmosphere has also been brilliant.”

Members also shared how beneficial the day was: “It’s been fantastic,” said Ian Swales, wholesale manager – foodservice, Freemans Event Partners. “Having the opportunity to chat with suppliers about the latest brand developments is invaluable, we have lots of great ideas to take back and explore further.”

The next Confex event is its annual conference taking place in Barcelona in October.

annual conference Britvic Charles Andrews Confex Cyber Tzar Freemans Event Partners Gavin Simpson Ian Swales Tom Gittens