IFE 2015 Preview: 23 British chefs to demonstrate culinary expertise

Alyn Williams, Adam Smith and Alan Bird are among the 23 British chefs demonstrating their skills and providing inspiration to others at this year's International Food and Drink Event (IFE).

Over the course of four days from Sunday 22 March there will be presentations in The Skillery and The Great British Kitchen which will focus on different areas of culinary expertise, including seasonal produce, fish, traditional dishes and food fusions. 

"The IFE Skillery is a great place to be to witness some of the industry's most talented chefs in action. This year has as fantastic line-up of chefs from a variety of backgrounds meaning that each demonstration will offer something unique to the audience," said Damien Wawrzyniak, chef director of the Restaurant and Food Consultancy and Art of Fine Dining, who will be presenting on Sunday. 

Wawrzyniak said this year's line-up, which includes demonstrations from MasterChef: The Professionals 2013 winner Steve Edwards (Getting Creative with Fish) and Marcus Wareing Restaurants' executive pastry chef Simon Jenkins (Unique Ingredients - Nuts About Dessert), was designed to give attendees practical tips to take back to their businesses. 

He said: "The industry has witnessed a distinct move away from fine dining in favour of simple, tasty and honest food. I will be demonstrating bistro-style cooking and I hope that my demonstration will inspire the audience and give them recipes that can be easily recreated in their own kitchens. I want people to cook with a smile, enjoy eating and celebrate amazing British flavours." 

For a more international flavour, there will be Tastes of the World Live where internationally renowned chefs such as Aldo Zilli, Antonio Carluccio and Francesco Mazzei will give demonstrations and an insight into the latest trends in the international food and drink market. 

See The Skillery timetable here.

See The Great British Kitchen timetable here.

See The Taste of the World timetable here.

The show, which has this year teamed up with The Pig Idea to raise awareness of food waste and environmental issues, is aiming to attract 27,000 professionals working in food and drink, from foodservice and retail to wholesale and distribution and manufacturing. 

Over the four days of the exhibition visitors will also be able to: 

  • Source new food and drink products. This year's event has been split into nine sections - Speciality & Regional Food from Britain and Ireland; Cheese & Dairy; Meat & Seafood; Walk the World; Bakery & Confectionery; Ingredients; Health & Wellbeing; Drinks and General Food - to make it easier to locate what you want.
  • Gain an insight into the hottest topics affecting the food and drink sector at The Hub where more than 30 of the biggest names in food and drink will be sharing their knowledge in 17 sessions. 
  • Hear about the latest innovations in drink, from cocktail mixology to bubble tea at the Drinks Theatre 
  • Network with other members of the industry at the Export Advice Centre, the Gala Dinner (on Monday 23) and the UKTI Buyers Lounge.

IFE 2015 runs from 22 to 25 March at ExCel in London. For more information visit ife.co.uk