People refer to the drinks industry (and, in particular, the alcoholic drinks industry) as “traditional”. If talking to your customers/suppliers, believing in sustainable relationships, sharing knowledge that makes the entire industry stronger, then I wholeheartedly agree. BFBi has re-established a not-for- profit UK-based industry event (some of you may remember BrewX as a trade show), aimed at bringing together the entire drinks/beverage supply chain to talk about hot topics and issues of the day, as well as showcasing excellence in the supply chain via a tradeshow. With engagement from a number of Associations, including the Institute of Brewing & Distilling, who will be presenting a programme of seminars, presentations, workshops in brewing, cider making and distilling, Dairy UK, and English Wine Producers Association, the two-day event will bring together knowledge from throughout the supply chain. BevExpo 2018 is free-of-charge to attend and centrally located (Ricoh Arena, Coventry – near to Birmingham International Airport and Railway Station). The event is taking place 23rd & 24th January. It is deliberately chosen to take place at a quiet time in the business calendar, enabling you to leave your businesses, learn, source, discuss, network and, ultimately, enhance your business. BevExpo relies not only on companies exhibiting, and presenting within the seminar areas, but on people taking the time to visit. It is free of charge to visit so why not click through right now to book your complimentary visitor ticket https://www.bevexpo.com/visitor -registration/ Ruth Evans MBE, BFBi C.E.O. Welcome TO We believe that we are unique in that we represent an entire value chain - from seed merchants, barley growers, maltsters, hop merchants, suppliers of raw materials through to production and packaging machinery manufacturers and suppliers and dispense/point of sale suppliers, manufacturers and installers. Our core values are sustainability of the value chain; fraternity; promotion of our Members, enabling them to act together in all areas relating to their trade or professional interests. Today, our strength and depth of membership expertise continues to help manage the opportunities and challenges facing our modern industry. 6 BREWING & BEVERAGE INDUSTRIES BUSINESS Ruth Evans Representing the entire value chain supplying the Brewing, Food & Beverage Industry Brewers - the BFBi is open to you too! - Telephone 01902 422303 for more information What sets the drinks industry apart from other industries? As somebody who has the privilege of looking across an entire supply chain and meeting Associations and companies from the non drinks sector, my belief is that it is our passion for our products and willingness, nay, enthusiasm to share non commercial information for the good of everybody. For a full calendar of BFBi events visit: www.bfbi.org.uk/industry-events/consolidated-programme-of-events It’s always good to talk 6_Layout 1 13/08/2017 08:06 Page 1