Gift Focus - May/Jun 2019 (Issue 113)

42 the basis of this design trend. It reflects on the art of living, with recognition and acceptance cementing our relationships with the real rather than the virtual. Consideration and compassion are given to the natural world, with a focus on low carbon footprints. Veganism, biodegradability and cooking from scratch come to the fore. FOOD TRENDS The Exclusively Shows are delighted to confirm that Charles Banks of thefoodpeople will be presenting a food trends talk each day at the show. Banks commented: “The problem for business today is that food moves fast – very fast – and often the consumer is moving faster still. So understanding the next vegan, the next street food or the next Korean is is critical for business. At thefoodpeople, we combine specialist global understanding of consumer trends and behaviours with our expertise and passion in food and drink to define the future horizon in the sector.” Each year, thefoodpeople releases its rolling two-year future food and drink trend forecast, defining the social and cultural forces influencing food and drink, the mega trends themselves and the plethora of trend manifestations that spring from these. The food trend talks with speaker Charles Banks will take place at 11:15am each day in the trend hub. Visitors will also be able to see the new thefoodpeople display in the trend hub, explore the company’s online trends platform and take away a copy of the 2019-2020 trends infographic poster. EXCLUSIVELY GIFT 2019 sees Exclusively Housewares and Exclusively Electrical once again working with the British Independent Retailers Association (bira), and together they are producing a major new joint initiative for 2019 with the launch of Exclusively Gift. The programme is designed to ensure a visit to the show is productive and cost- effective. The scheme has been inspired by the success of the 2018 bira bonus. Last year’s voucher drew new, lapsed and regular visitors with a better than expected redemption level. The voucher was welcomed by exhibitors as a tool to open new accounts and build business with existing customers. Exclusively Gift vouchers with the value of £100 will be sent directly to bira members registered to attend the show. New for 2019, the voucher will be accepted by all exhibitors choosing to participate. This is designed to encourage all exhibitors to get behind the scheme, and no supplier is excluded. The voucher offers a benefit to exhibitors, requiring no contribution and offering the opportunity to build new and existing accounts. Each bira member is issued one voucher, and visitors need to spend a minimum value of £300 net of VAT to redeem the voucher. Jeff Moody, managing director of bira direct, said: “Following the encouraging feedback from members and suppliers last year, as well as the positive uptake of members visiting the show, we are really looking forward to exhibiting at the show this year, supporting members with a truly extraordinary offer.” Simon Boyd, marketing and operations executive of Exclusively Shows confirmed: “For all the reasons above, we are delighted to be making a bigger and better initiative by extending the programme to all suppliers, making it accessible to all. We are sure that our cooperation with bira offers buyers a competitive edge and we take pleasure in the fact that bira has chosen Exclusively shows as their only shows to exhibit at in 2019. We appreciate their extended support for this initiative, which is of real benefit to the independent trade.” Vouchers must be validated by bira on its stand – EH457 – prior to use, and can only be used at the show. Suppliers must redeem the voucher with bira at the exhibition. BRAND SHOWCASE The brand showcase returns this year, designed to help exhibitors get products in front of consumer press journalists. The showcase takes place in the media centre and proved popular last year, with more than 50 journalists from 35 publications (online and print) attending to uncover the latest in home and kitchen products. New for 2019 will be the Christmas in June showcase. Where the British press traditionally starts to look at gifts and gadgets for the festive season at the start of July, the show is keen to help exhibitors get on the radar of media partners before the competition. Also available is an online portal from which journalists can download images and press releases for up to six months, with media team support to connect journalists with attendees for two months following the show. Exhibitors wanting to register their interest or receive more information are advised to email richardwatts@exclusivelyhousewares. co.uk . For more information, visit exclusivelyshows.co.uk