Fresh Montgomery to acquire FDIN

Hospitality events organiser Fresh Montgomery is set to acquire the Food & Drink Innovation Network (FDIN).

The FDIN publishes UK food and drink news and organises industry events covering growing, sourcing, manufacturing, category management, packaging, retailing and product development. The network was founded in 2002 by Pret a Manger founder Jeffrey Hyman, who passed away earlier this year.

Fresh Montgomery has been organising trade shows Hotelympia, the Great Hospitality Show and ScotHot, among others, for more than 20 years and is part of Montgomery, the oldest family-owned events business in the UK. The business says it has "a number" of other acquisitions and launches in the pipeline, with the acquisition of the FDIN marking the start of a two-year ambitious growth strategy in the UK and overseas.

Fresh Montgomery aims to double the network's community over the next two years and strengthen its position as a channel for industry insight and influence, and expects the acquisition to increase the company's reach within the food and drink industry.

Food industry expert Jane Milton will lead FDIN forward as chief inspiration officer; curating a group of rotating industry influencers and sourcing global, industry-wide perspectives on food, from innovation to new product development, for the FDIN community.

She said: "FDIN is built on a generous attitude of sharing best practice, strong industry relationships and providing invaluable industry insight. From working very closely with Jeffrey, we're looking forward to continuing his legacy and ensuring insight continues to be made accessible to all industry levels."

Soraya Gadelrab, portfolio director at Fresh Montgomery who will take on the role of chief experience officer, said: "This exciting acquisition means greater market leading content, quality news and networking to ensure the UK's food and drink industry has access to the tools and contacts needed to stand-out and propel the industry forward."

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