The UK Food & Drink Shows: Three days that brought the industry together

For three amazing days, tens of thousands of visitors came together from across the UK food and drink sector to build new business relationships, be inspired by industry experts and sample the latest products.

From Monday 13 to Wednesday 15 April, the NEC Birmingham became home to The UK Food & Drink Shows – the annual event that shines a spotlight on the grocery, hospitality, specialist retail, forecourt convenience and forecourt sectors.

“It has once again given us great pleasure to present The UK Food & Drink Shows and showcase what makes this one of the country’s most exciting, welcoming and innovative industries,” said Dan Dixon, managing director of exhibitions at William Reed, organisers of the shows.

“The halls of the NEC Birmingham were once again filled with excitement as thousands of visitors connected, forged business partnerships and sampled products that will be delighting consumers in the weeks and months to come.”

“Planning is under way for The UK Food & Drink Shows 2027, with 65% of stand space already secured for next year. We look forward to seeing you all again in 12 months’ time!”

This year’s event comprised four individual shows, each dedicated to a trade sector: Farm Shop & Deli Show, Food & Drink Expo, National Convenience Show and Forecourt Show.

Around 1,200 exhibitors, from the world’s biggest names in fmcg and manufacturing to start-up businesses taking their first steps, travelled from across the globe to present their products and services. And the halls were buzzing with energy  with  packed aisles with buyers and trade visitors travelling from across the UK, from the largest multiple retailers to independent operators. Here’s what a few had to say about their time at the event:

“The UK Food & Drink Shows is a real opportunity for everybody to come together. It’s a great opportunity to speak to people, immerse yourself in the products and see things for yourself, which is such a rarity now.”

Abigail Mines, food waste & communities manager, Ocado Retail

“The UK Food & Drink Shows make a massive impact. There are new trends coming up all the time and food tastes are constantly changing.  Shows like this are a fantastic way to fully experience what’s trending and what’s available.”

Mark Tate, director and owner, Field to Fork farm shop & restaurant

“Everything is technology based today, and attending Forecourt Show has helped us learn about the latest technologies. If you don’t know what’s happening in the market, no business can survive.”

Adil Kohli, regional manager, Rondel Trading Ltd

All four shows featured expert speakers, inspiring demonstrations and insightful panels on the topics and trends driving the industry. This year’s speakers included PizzaExpress Customer Technology Director Ross Pyres, Borough Market operations director Nicole Casey, Booker retail managing director Colm Johnson and Co-Op Wholesale managing director Katie Secretan.

The UK Food & Drink Show continue to evolve to keep pace with the rapid changes happening in the food and drink industry, and popular new features introduced for 2026 included the Spotlight on Coffee Shop & Café and Spotlight on Future Foods.

Another new feature was the Taste the Future competition that gives visitors the chance to sample and score 40 trailblazing products across a range of categories, with the winning supplier from each category will going forward to the live final. The ultimate winner, which receives a package worth £5,000 from consumer testing agency Stickybeak, was MisoHeat Chili Paste.

A host of suppliers braved the Dragons’ Pantry and pitched their products to a panel of highly experienced industry ‘dragons’ who declared Irish brand Chimac, which produces Korean-inspired sauces, the overall winner.

The UK Food & Drink Shows 2027 ­– comprising Farm Shop & Deli Show, Food & Drink Expo, Foodex Manufacturing Solutions, National Convenience Show and Forecourt Show – will take place at the NEC Birmingham from 12 to 14 April. For more information see ukfoodanddrinkshows.co.uk