FE 09 was a bustling multi-cultural affair bringing tens of thousands of UK and international buyers from across the globe to London. Despite the challenging trading conditions the success of the event illustrates the optimism for the future and resilience of the food and drink industry in all sectors. The innovation focused event saw the launch of 1000s of new products and attracted much media interest from the trade press and beyond especially around the successful new Innovation Live and Skillery attractions.