Thirty thousand visitors and 1,500 exhibitors are expected to come together for the event, which enables businesses from across the food and beverages industry to network, see the latest innovations and gain invaluable insights.
Taking place at the NEC Birmingham from Monday 7 to Wednesday 9 April, UK Food & Drink Shows is an umbrella event that comprises four shows, each targeting a sector of the industry:
- Food & Drink Expo provides buyers from retail, hospitality, wholesale, foodservice and manufacturing with information and product sourcing opportunities. This year's Expo incorporates The Restaurant Show and will have an even stronger focus on hospitality.
- Farm Shop & Deli Show brings together suppliers to showcase the best of local and speciality produce to specialist retailers and buyers.
- National Convenience Show provides a platform for the convenience retailing sector, from suppliers and wholesalers through to retailers.
- Foodex Manufacturing Solutions is the UK’s leading event for the food and drink processing, packaging and logistics industries.
The 2025 UK Food & Drink Shows also feature new themed areas:
- 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.
- Future Food Zone will highlight on-trend categories such as keto, kombucha, fermented foods and CBD to reflect growing consumer demand for healthier, more sustainable options.
- Packaging Zone will be a one-stop shop for businesses seeking solutions to packaging and plastic challenges, with an emphasis on sustainability.
- Business Advice Hub will be a dedicated area providing exhibitors and show visitors with access to free business advice and services.
Also new for this year will be dedicated street food areas serving a wide selection of dishes and snacks to visitors.
And, of course, a programme of expert speakers, insightful panels and inspiring demonstrations will cover topics and trends that are driving the industry.
To ensure visitors make the most of the shows, a digital event companion will offer an event guide, interactive floorplan, indoor navigation and real-time notifications.
UK Food & Drink Shows is organised by business information provider William Reed, publisher of digital and print media including The Grocer.
"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, click here.
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
Panels and presentations
Some of the UK Food & Drink Shows panels and presentations hospitality operators won't want to miss.
Monday 7 April
Women in hospitality: The female leaders shaping the future
11.45am Restaurant Stage
Find out more about inspiring female leaders driving change across the industry.
Loyalty in hospitality: Driving frequency through apps
2.30pm Restaurant Stage
Operators and experts discuss the rise of loyalty programmes, the impact they can have and the key to getting them right.
Tuesday 8 April
UK eating out market: Consumer and market trends to watch
12.30pm Restaurant Stage
Identify the who, what, where, when, why and how of the UK out-of-home market and make informed decisions.
In the kitchen with: Joké Bakare
2.15pm Restaurant Stage
Joké Bakare, who opened West African restaurant Chishuru in 2020, shares her passion for cooking, discusses her career journey and showcases her skills in the kitchen.
A Labour government: What does this mean for hospitality?
3.15pm Restaurant Stage
Leading trade organisations discuss the past 12 months and what a Labour government could mean for hospitality.
Plant-based: Insights from the US market
3.30pm The Grocer Stage
Noah Hyams, founder of investor community Vegpreneur, shares the trends shaping the US plant-based market, and how they differ to the UK.
Wednesday 9 April
Sustainability in the face of economic uncertainty
11am Restaurant Stage
How sustainability can help to reduce costs, attract staff and reassure stakeholders.
Hospitality menus: What's hot and what's not?
11.45am Restaurant Stage
What ingredients are becoming seen more - or less - on menus?
In the kitchen with: Kenny Atkinson
1.30pm Restaurant Stage
Kenny Atkinson, chef patron of Michelin-starred Newcastle restaurants House of Tides and Solstice by Kenny Atkinson, shares his story, his passion for food and demonstrates his skills.
