GREAT NUMBERS

This year’s event, taking place at the NEC Birmingham from 13-15 April, comprises four shows that each target a specific sector:

  • Food & Drink Expo is the destination for discovering fresh ideas, forging connections and gaining insights into the future. It attracts key foodservice buyers, as well as decision-makers from retail and wholesale grocery operations.
  • Farm Shop & Deli Show offers the best-quality local and regional produce, alongside exciting new product development and the latest in equipment, labelling and packaging solutions.
  • National Convenience Show is the biggest event for the convenience retailing sector and is a one-stop destination for c-store specific products, services and innovations to help boost footfall, increase basket spend and gain a competitive edge.
  • Forecourt Show is the must-attend event for sourcing products, fresh ideas and smart solutions to future-proof your business, whether you are part of a symbol group, an independent forecourt, fuel company or dealer.

Around 1200 businesses are exhibiting across the four shows, with more than 25,000 visitors expected to attend to sample the latest in innovation and explore services and equipment that will help their businesses flourish.

Once again, The UK Food & Drink Shows features a packed programme of insightful panels, expert speakers and inspiring demonstrations.

Food and drink 1

FRESH FOR 2026

The event continues to evolve to reflect the UK’s vibrant and fast-moving food & drink industry, with new attractions including:

  • Spotlight on Coffee Shop & Café: As FTG continues to boom, this dedicated space at Farm Shop & Deli Show highlights trends and products.
  • Spotlight on Future Foods: Part of Food & Drink Expo, this area celebrates the brands and innovators redefining what good food means by showcasing wellness-driven, clean-label and sustainable products.

Competitions are always a big part of the UK Food & Drink Shows line-up, and the 2026 event brings the debut of the Taste the Future contest. Visitors can sample and score 40 trailblazing products, with participating brands in the running to win £5000 worth of prizes.

Judging for the Britain’s Best Loaf and Britain's Best Cake contests will take place live, while the winners of the Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards are announced at the show. Visitors will also be able to meet many of the people behind the winning goods in 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.

“We are excited to once again welcome exhibitors and visitors to The UK Food & Drink Shows and share with them what makes this industry so vibrant and innovative,” said Dan Dixon, managing director of exhibitions, William Reed.

“We appreciate that retailers and suppliers continue to face intense pressure and are confident the shows can help equip businesses with the knowledge and inspiration to grow and flourish. At the heart of it all is the power of face-to-face interaction; the chance to have meaningful conversations, experience products first-hand and build relationships.”