Why Attend the International Cheese and Dairy EXPO 2025

Why Attend the EXPO?

1. Connect with Key Industry Players

In a market where successful differentiation increasingly depends on strong partner relationships, the EXPO provides unparalleled opportunities to meet potential collaborators and retailers face-to-face. Whether you're seeking:

• New cheese and dairy products for distribution
• Innovative ingredient suppliers
• Packaging partners with sustainability credentials
• Distribution channels for products
• Technology providers enhancing traceability and transparency

The EXPO's exhibitor roster spans the full spectrum of the cheese and dairy value chain, creating efficient networking opportunities that might otherwise require months of separate meetings.

2. Stay Ahead of Market Trends

As our market analysis highlights, the cheese sector is experiencing significant evolution across multiple dimensions:

• Premiumisation: Consumers trading up within the category
• Health reconsidered: Growing awareness of protein content and functional benefits
• Sustainability demands: Increasing expectations for environmental credentials
• Format innovation: New consumption occasions driving product development

The EXPO offers the only comprehensive view of how these trends are manifesting in product development, packaging, marketing, and retail strategy - all in one location over two concentrated days.

3. Discover Competitive Innovations

Understanding competitor activities and category innovations is essential for maintaining market relevance. The EXPO provides a unique opportunity to:

• See new product launches in real time
• Assess packaging innovations and sustainability initiatives
• Understand how companies are addressing consumer health concerns
• Identify emerging flavour trends and product formats

This direct market intelligence helps inform your own strategic planning and product development priorities.

4. Build Industry Knowledge

Beyond formal presentations, the EXPO facilitates valuable knowledge exchange through:

• Conversations with fellow professionals facing similar challenges
• Direct feedback from retailers on category performance
• Insights from suppliers about emerging technologies
• Perspective from international participants on global trends

These informal learning opportunities often prove as valuable as scheduled sessions, providing context and nuance for strategic decision-making.

Why Enter the ICDA Awards?

Awards Entry Deadline: May 31, 2025



Don't miss the opportunity to showcase your excellence. This year's streamlined digital entry process makes participation simpler than ever. Awards judging takes place on 25 June, with winners announced on the 26 June during the EXPO.

1. Gain Credible Third-Party Validation

In an increasingly crowded marketplace, third-party validation helps products stand out. ICDA Awards recognition provides:

• Independent confirmation of product quality
• Credibility with retail buyers and distributors
• A point of differentiation in consumer communications
• Validation of your team's hard work and expertise

This endorsement carries particular weight given the rigor of the ICDA judging process and the awards' established reputation within the industry.

2. Enhance Brand Visibility

Award-winning products receive significant visibility benefits:

• Recognition at the EXPO awards ceremony
• Inclusion in post-event publicity materials
• The right to use award logos in your own marketing
• Potential feature coverage in industry publications

This increased visibility can be especially valuable for smaller producers and emerging brands seeking to establish market presence.

3. Benchmark Against Competition

The awards process provides valuable benchmarking, helping you understand:

• How your products compare to category standards
• Areas where you excel relative to competitors
• Opportunities for potential improvement
• How judges and experts perceive your offerings

This feedback has practical value beyond the competition itself, informing future product development and quality initiatives.

4. Motivate Your Team

Recognition provides powerful motivation for production teams, product developers, and sales staff:

• Celebrating collective achievement
• Acknowledging technical expertise and craft
• Creating momentum for continued excellence
• Building pride in brand and product

The boost from awards recognition often translates into ongoing commitment to quality and innovation.

Addressing Market Challenges Through Participation

The EXPO and Awards directly address key challenges identified in our market analysis:

Meeting Premiumisation Demand

With consumers increasingly trading up within the cheese category, the EXPO showcases how producers and retailers are successfully communicating quality cues and value propositions that justify premium pricing.

Navigating Health Perceptions

As consumers reconsider cheese's nutritional profile - focusing on protein content, functional benefits, and gut health - the EXPO provides perspective on effective positioning that addresses these evolving health perceptions.

Demonstrating Sustainability Credentials

With over half of consumers under 40 willing to pay more for sustainable dairy products, the EXPO offers insights into communicating environmental commitments effectively without resorting to greenwashing.

Enhancing Digital Engagement

As discovery increasingly happens online rather than in-store, the EXPO helps participants understand how digital strategy can enhance brand building and direct consumer connections.

Making the Most of Your Participation

To maximise value from the EXPO and Awards:

1. Plan your visit strategically, identifying key exhibitors and sessions aligned with your business priorities
2. Schedule meetings in advance with potential partners or suppliers
3. Prepare questions on specific challenges your business faces
4. Allocate time for unplanned discovery and conversations

For awards entrants, ensure your submissions clearly communicate your products' distinctive attributes and align with judging criteria. Entries close 31 May 2025.

Conclusion: An Investment in Future Success

In a sector increasingly defined by premiumisation, health consciousness, sustainability credentials, and digital engagement, staying connected to industry developments is not a luxury - it's a necessity.

The International Cheese and Dairy EXPO and Awards represent an efficient investment in market knowledge, partnership development, and competitive positioning. For businesses seeking to thrive in an evolving landscape, participation offers both immediate insights and long-term strategic value.