Ice Cream Alliance Exhibition 2011

The UK market remains strong despite increases in commodity prices and the industry's major event of the year - the Ice Cream Expo 2011 - is proving a major draw to companies large and small.

Organised by the Ice Cream Alliance, the event scheduled for 1-3 November at the Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate, is on course for another record breaking year.

Ice Cream Alliance Chief Executive Officer Zelica Carr said consumer demand for ice cream remained strong thanks to good weather in Spring and Summer combined with manufacturers and retailers working hard to absorb costs from commodity and energy hikes.

"The expo is the biggest of its kind and we would expect millions of pounds worth of business will be generated from this event.

"The ice cream industry is in good shape in spite of the challenges that have come our way with new ice cream manufacturers continuing to enter the market.

"The expo will be attracting key decision makers in the industry who are keen to take advantage of the latest innovations in manufacturing techniques and retail strategy.

"Visitors to the show represent a large portion of the available spend within the industry including machinery manufacturers, static and mobile retailing and food service operators. "

The expo will also host the National Ice Cream Competition which this year will include representatives from Britain's major supermarkets on the judging panel.

It will also be the venue for the first European Gelato Championship with the winners going forward to compete against traditional ice cream makers from nine European countries at the final in Berlin.