The UK Food & Drink Shows

30,000 visitors and 1,500 exhibitors will come together in April for the ultimate event in the UK food and drink industry calendar.

UK Food & Drink Shows brings together businesses from across the grocery, hospitality, specialist retail and manufacturing sectors to network, see the latest innovations and gain invaluable insights.

This year’s event, taking place at the NEC Birmingham from Monday 7th to Wednesday 9th April, comprises four shows that each target a sector of the food and drink industry:

• Food & Drink Expo provides buyers from retail, hospitality, wholesale, foodservice and manufacturing with information and product sourcing opportunities. To reflect the growth in the UK eating out market and continued blurring of the lines in the food and drink sectors, The Restaurant Show is this year integrated into Food & Drink Expo.
• Farm Shop & Deli Show brings together hundreds of suppliers to showcase the best of local and speciality produce to retailers and buyers.
• National Convenience Show provides a platform for the convenience retailing sector to come together, from suppliers and wholesalers through to retailers.
• Foodex Manufacturing Solutions is the UK’s leading trade event for the food and drink processing, packaging and logistics industries.

With around 1,500 businesses exhibiting across the four shows, visitors will have the chance to sample the latest food and drink creations and examine business solutions including services and equipment.

Once again, UK Food & Drink Shows will feature a packed programme of expert speakers, insightful panels and inspiring demonstrations on topics and trends that are driving the industry.

One focus for 2025 is shining a spotlight on women shaping the food and drink industry, with individual panels featuring female leaders in hospitality, convenience, manufacturing and grocery.

The evolution and innovation of the UK Food & Drink Shows is one reason it was last year crowned ‘Best UK Tradeshow more than 8,000 sq. m.’ in the Association of Event Organisers Excellence Awards. That innovation continues this year with the introduction of a host of new themed areas:

• Future Food Zone will highlight exciting on-trend categories such as keto, kombucha, fermented foods and CBD to reflect growing consumer demand for healthier, more sustainable options.
• Coffee Zone has been launched in partnership with The London Coffee Festival and will play host to the latest innovations in the coffee industry, from top roasters, alternative milks and the most sustainable cups.
• Packaging Zone will be a one-stop shop for businesses seeking solutions to their packaging and plastic challenges, with an emphasis on sustainability.
• Business Advice Hub, a dedicated area providing exhibitors and visitors to the show with access to free business advice and services.

Also new for this year will be two dedicated street food areas serving a wide selection of exciting dishes and snacks to visitors.

Competitions will again be a big part of the UK Food & Drink Shows line-up, with judging for the popular Britain’s Best Loaf and Britain’s Best Cake contests taking place live at the event. The winners of the highly respected Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards will be announced at the show, and visitors can also see – and probably sample – the winners of the Farm Shop & Deli Product Awards.

To ensure visitors make the most of their visit, an online digital event companion will offer a comprehensive event guide, interactive floorplan, seamless indoor navigation and real-time notifications.

UK Food & Drink Shows is organised by market-leading business information provider William Reed. Covering industries ranging from food and drink to pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, William Reed publishes digital and print media including The Grocer, and organises prestigious awards, business events and conferences.

“We look forward to once again welcoming visitors and exhibitors to the UK Food & Drink Shows in April,” said William Reed exhibitions managing director Andrew Reed.

“At a time of continuing challenges in the shape of high input prices and rising employment costs, alongside the pressure on consumer spending, the shows offer an opportunity to gain invaluable insight and inspiration. From expert panels and presentations to face-to-face meetings with peers and industry associations, the UK Food & Drink Shows can help equip your business with the tools to flourish.”

To find out more and register for free tickets visit the UK Food & Drink Shows website:
https://www.ukfoodanddrinkshows.co.uk