The
market for ethnic food is developing at a fast pace and nowhere was
this more evident than the World Food Market at Excel yesterday. Around
200 exhibitors from around 20 countries were there hoping to link up
with retailers.

There seemed to be more Polish exhibitors than in previous years showing that this particular market is burgeoning with demand.

Polish
Specialities is meeting the increase demand for its products with its
chain of franchised delicatessens, a wholesale cash and carry in
Croydon, South London and distribution centre, with a buyer’s office in
Poland. “The quality of Polish meat is much higher because the water
content is very low.” explains sales manager Colin Ashton. “We find the
Polish product is increasingly being bought by people of English
origin.”

Ashton, who was at last year’s show, said
he was disappointed, by the visitor and exhibitor numbers both of whom
he said appeared be down on 2006. “IFE was better. I am not sure we
will exhibiting at WFM next year.”

Lituancia,
which works closely with producers from Lithuania, Latvia. Poland,
Russia, Ukraine and Romania, was exhibiting for the first time at the
World Food Market. Rasa Apostol, at Lituancia UK said, the objective of
attending the show was firstly to satisfy the needs of the many
consumers from Eastern Europe who live and work here, and secondly, to
introduce UK customers to these new cuisines.

Pies
retain their popularity but if you want ones that are different then
the Alfa stand was the one to head to. Visitors could sample the sweet
squash roll or ham pie made with a traditional Greek pie shell using
olive oil and feta cheese instead of eggs and butter or margarine.

Halal
exhibitors were once again in abundance at the show from Welsh Country
Foods to Crescent Quality Food. Companies that were previously not
operating in the halal sector are realising there is a gap in the
market to be filled and that Muslim consumers want the same choice of
products as the rest of the population. That’s why Rowi Halal has
expanded its range to include oriental halal products including spicy
spring rolls.

Welsh Country Food’s stand appeared
to be much quieter than in previous years. Ibrahim Davis, senior
business development manager at Welsh Country Foods said: “It’s very
quiet. We are a bit disappointed.

Last year we
were in a halal pavilion but this year the stands are all mixed up and
dotted about. We were hoping for a better turnout than we have had so
far.”

With the government threatening to penalise
businesses unless they go green, the London Sustainability Exchange’s
(LSE) Greener Food stand was offering advice on cutting waste and
saving money. Janice Ansine, project co-ordinator for LSE, said: “There
is lot more people can do to do green. We offer free advice that will
also help boost profits.”