FRESH MONTGOMERY ACQUIRES FDIN Influential food & drink entities join forces to drastically enhance category value Our Coverage Sponsored by Fresh Origins
Fresh Origins is America’s leading producer of Microgreens and Edible Flowers. Combining the benefits of an ideal climate with a deep passion for quality and innovation, Fresh Origins products are sought after by the finest restaurants and top chefs. The farm is located in the picturesque rolling hills of San Diego County, where the near perfect weather allows for production and harvest all year. Fresh Origins produces almost 400 Microgreens, Petitegreens, Edible Flowers, Shoots, Tiny Veggies™ and related items. Many are not available anywhere else, with new introductions nearly every month. Fresh Origins products are on top of the finest cuisine in the world! Fresh Origins supplies distributors of specialty produce who serve fine dining restaurants and resorts nationwide. There are also a few online sources of their products available to private chefs and home cooks. Read our first Culinary Queen interview with Kelly Sasuga:
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They tell us from across the pond in London:
Fresh Montgomery, the UK’s leading organiser of food, drink & hospitality events has embarked on an acquisition of the Food & Drink Innovation Network (FDIN). A huge development for the UK food & drink industry, this acquisition adds enormous value to food/drink/hospitality categories; creating a ‘vortex’ of industry innovation, through an enhanced FDIN offering.
FDIN was established over a decade ago and this change in ownership aims to double its high-level community over the next two years[1]. Originally founded in 2002 by Jeffrey Hyman, – who established the first Prêt à Manger store – FDIN’s success was largely driven by Jeffrey’s reputation, his personal magnetism and encyclopedic industry knowledge. Building on his legacy, Fresh Montgomery is keen to ensure FDIN continues to be at the forefront of industry innovation and influence; ensuring a nurturing community remains at its core. A champion of food & drink industry insight and a main driver behind shaping industry opinion, FDIN is a ‘go-to’ resource for food & drink professionals worldwide including members from Nestle, Ryvita, Hovis, Product Chain, Brand Genetics and Thorntons.
Fresh Montgomery is built on 20+ years’ experience running events including: IFE, Hotelympia, Speciality & Fine Food Fair and is part of Montgomery, the oldest family-owned events business in the UK and listed in 1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain (LSE) & Real Business HOT100[2]. This acquisition is the first of many to come for Fresh Montgomery in the next 12 months.
With a number of other acquisitions and organic launches in the pipeline, Fresh Montgomery has ambitious growth plans both in the UK and overseas over the next two years. This acquisition will strengthen FDIN’s position as the no.1 channel for industry insight & influence and Fresh Montgomery expects this acquisition to increase the company’s reach within the food & drink industry. With an annual high-level calendar of food and drink events covering aspects of innovation: growing, sourcing, manufacturing, category management, packaging, retailing and product development, FDIN is the expert in industry innovation.
Jane Milton, food industry expert and one of Jeffrey Hyman’s close circle of contacts, will lead FDIN forward as Chief Inspiration Officer. Holding 30 years commercial experience and well-known in the industry, Jane Milton will ensure Jeffrey and FDIN’s renowned heritage and legacy continues; carefully curating a group of rotating industry influencers. Jane Milton will provide the FDIN community with a unique perspective on food, from innovation to new product development through her strong global network industry-wide.
“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”, says Jane Milton, “Fresh Montgomery and FDIN complement each other perfectly; built on similar beliefs and values and it’s so positive for us to have been personally selected to carry the torch forward”.
Soraya Gadelrab, Portfolio Director at Fresh Montgomery who will take on the role of Chief Experience Officer says: “Our mission is to enhance the food & drink industry and provide the high-level insight professionals are craving and require to develop and innovate. This exciting acquisition means greater market leading content, quality news and networking to ensure the UK’s food & drink industry has access to the tools and contacts needed to stand-out and propel the industry forward”.
[1] As of September 2017
[2] 2015 Awards List
[3] 2015 Awards List
