Industry leaders from across the retail, hospitality and manufacturing sectors amongst speakers and panellists at this year’s UK Food & Drink Shows
Thirty thousand visitors and 1,500 exhibitors will come together for this key event in the UK food and drink industry calendar that offers the latest innovations and invaluable insights.
This year’s event, taking place at the NEC Birmingham from Monday 7 to Wednesday 9 April, comprises four shows:
- Food & Drink Expo provides buyers from retail, hospitality, wholesale, foodservice and manufacturing with information and product sourcing opportunities.
- 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.
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.
Among the issues being explored are the impact of the labour government on retail and manufacturing, the future of warehousing and reducing food waste.
A key focus for the 2025 event is shining a spotlight on the female leaders shaping the hospitality, convenience, manufacturing and grocery sectors. Speakers on these panels include: Katharine Challinor, head of new business at Morrisons; Jo Fleet, managing director of Caravan; and Donna Fordyce, chief executive of Seafood Scotland.
Also presenting across the three days are:
- Claire Pointon, managing director at Just Eat, on expanding the possibilities of delivery.
- Paul Dobson, wholesale & franchise director at Morrisons, on the future of convenience.
- Nigel Murray, managing director at Booths, on the importance of catering for your customers.
The evolution and innovation of the UK Food & Drink Shows is one of the reasons 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 new themed areas: the Coffee Zone will feature top roasters, alternative milks and the most sustainable cups; the Future Food Zone will highlight on-trend categories such as keto, fermented foods and CBD; the Packaging Zone will offer solutions to packaging and plastic challenges; the Business Advice Hub will provide access to free business advice and services.
To ensure visitors make the most of their visit, an online digital event companion will offer an event guide, interactive floorplan, seamless indoor navigation and real-time notifications.
UK Food & Drink Shows is organised by 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 awards, business events and conferences.
“At a time of continuing high input prices and rising employment costs, alongside the pressure on consumer spending, the UK Food & Drink Shows offer an opportunity to gain invaluable insight and inspiration,” said William Reed exhibitions managing director Andrew Reed.
“From expert panels and presentations to face-to-face meetings with peers and industry associations, the shows can help equip your business with the tools to flourish.”
To find out more and register for free tickets visit foodex.co.uk
AT A GLANCE:
UK Food & Drink Shows
Comprising: Food & Drink Expo, Farm Shop & Deli Show, National Convenience Show, Foodex Manufacturing Solutions
Monday 7 to Wednesday 9 April 2025
NEC Birmingham
www.ukfoodanddrinkshows.co.uk
