In a significant move to expand Sri Lanka’s footprint in the global food and beverage sector, the country made a remarkable presence at the International Food & Drink Event (IFE) 2025, held in London from March 17th to 19th 2025. The event provided a platform to highlight Sri Lanka’s diverse and high-quality food and beverage exports, opening doors for strategic business collaborations and new market opportunities in UK.
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the Sri Lanka High Commission in the UK, facilitated the participation of leading Sri Lankan food exporters, ensuring the country’s strong representation at this prestigious event. A dedicated Sri Lanka Pavilion, spanning 54 square meters at Stand No. 2870 in N10 Hall, prominently displayed the country’s finest food and beverage offerings.
Several prominent Sri Lankan companies exhibited their products at IFE 2025, including New Lanka Cinnamon (Pvt) Ltd, Waguruwela Oil Mills (Pvt) Ltd, Metshu Exports (Pvt) Ltd, Tropikal Life International (Pvt) Ltd, Global Trading Services, AMK Food Export (Pvt) Ltd, Siddhalepa Exports (Pvt) Ltd, and Ruhunu Exports (Pvt) Ltd. These exhibitors showcased an impressive array of value-added food products, including coconut-based items, organic spices, dehydrated fruits, processed foods, herbal teas, frozen ready-to-eat meals, and vegan and organic food offerings.
The Sri Lanka Pavilion attracted significant attention from international buyers, importers, and distributors seeking high-quality, sustainable food products. The exhibitors engaged in over 50 business discussions, generating strong interest, particularly in the areas of processed meats, organic spices, ready-to-eat meals, bakery products, and Ceylon cinnamon.
Adding to the momentum, the Sri Lanka High Commission in London, in collaboration with key UK-based trade organizations, facilitated a networking session where exhibitors met with potential buyers and industry leaders. This initiative played a crucial role in strengthening trade ties and increasing awareness of Sri Lanka’s value-added food products in the UK and European markets.
A highlight of Sri Lanka’s participation was the emphasis on sustainability and innovation in food production. Many of the Sri Lankan companies showcased their commitment to organic and ethically sourced products, aligning with the growing global demand for sustainable food solutions.
As the second-largest export market for Sri Lanka, the UK remains a vital destination for Sri Lankan food and beverage exports, with total exports reaching USD 903 million in 2024. Benefiting from the UK Developing Countries Trading Scheme (UK DCTS), 92% of Sri Lanka’s exports enjoy duty-free access to the UK market, providing a competitive advantage for local exporters.
Sri Lanka’s participation at IFE 2025 reinforced the country’s position as a reliable and competitive supplier of high-quality food products. The event also provided an opportunity to gain insights into emerging food trends, explore new export channels, and foster long-term business collaborations.
Through initiatives like IFE 2025, Sri Lanka continues to enhance its presence in the international food industry, promoting its unique offerings and forging valuable trade relationships to drive the country’s food export growth.
