Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) was deemed the ‘best ever’ in the show’s 20 year history by organisers UBM. Retailer visitor numbers increased by 24% and overall attendee numbers rose by 6% to a record high of 7,862, including the highest ever number of overseas visitors at 40%.
There were 264 exhibitors in Olympia’s Grand and National halls at last month’ show (an increase of 8%), including 67 companies that were brand new to the show. In addition, there was a significant uplift in brands and lifestyle exhibitor numbers, up 28%.
Events linked to the show’s food and beverage theme included a Q&A with TV chef, author and presenter Nadiya Hussain (who talked about her new kitchenware with BlissHome) and two live cookery sessions at the MasterChef Kitchen & Demo Area.
“This year’s BLE was extraordinary,” said brand director Anna Knight. “We brought the show onto one level at Olympia for the first time, and every corner of it was busy from doors open to close (and beyond). There wasn’t a single lull in activity, attendance or buzz for the entire three days. Thousands of meetings were held, our seminar programme and Live Kitchen demos were extremely successful, and exhibitors proclaimed it ‘their best BLE ever’,”
UBM confirmed that over 85% of next year’s floorplan is already full.
Top: MasterChef Kitchen & Demo Area at the recent BLE.
