Be inspired by industry leaders at The UK Food & Drink Shows

Visitors to next month's The UK Food & Drink Shows will have the opportunity to by inspired and informed by a host of industry leaders and innovators.

Taking place at the NEC Birmingham from Monday 13 to Wednesday 15 April, the event boasts 1,200 exhibitors and comprises four individual shows dedicated to specific areas of the market:

• Food & Drink Expo is the destination for discovering fresh ideas, forging connections and gaining insights into the future of food. 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.

As well as being a fantastic opportunity to network while seeing the latest products and services the industry has to offer, The UK Food & Drink Shows offers a packed programme of panels and presentations. Among these will be live interviews with major names in the food and drink industry including:

Nicole Casey, director of operations at Borough Market

Nicole will offer a behind-the-scenes look at how one of London’s most iconic food destinations continues to thrive while staying true to its heritage.

Kelvin Fletcher, actor and presenter

Actor, model, racing driver, presenter and farmer Kelvin will talk about his story from TV screens into farming, the future of Fletchers’ Family Farm and the challenges and opportunities impacting the industry.

JB Gill, musician and presenter

JB – member of boyband JLS, TV presenter, author, and award-winning farmer – will share how leaving showbiz led him to an 11-acre Kent farm. He will also be signing the latest book in his children's series Ace and the Animal Heroes.

Colm Johnson, retail managing director, Booker

Booker symbol brands Premier, Londis and Budgens have seen great success over the years. Retail managing director Johnson will discuss the convenience retail sector, the changing needs of consumers and Booker's plans for the future.

Katie Secretan, managing director, Co-Op Wholesale

This is an opportunity to hear about the strategic thinking behind the Nisa rebrand, how it strengthens Co-op Wholesale’s position in the market and the opportunities it creates for independent retailers.

Adam Stokes, chef

Adam will discuss his career, including working with Aaron Patterson at Hambelton Hall, and becoming head chef at Glenapp Castle where he earned his first Michelin star. In this interview, he will share insights on the challenges the industry is facing and what the future of fine dining looks like.

Mark Tate, director and owner, Field to Fork

With a restaurant, in-house butchers, outdoor garden centre and a grocery store, Field to Fork in Warwickshire is driving success with a multi-channel approach. Mark will discuss the business, the challenges and opportunities facing the farm shop and deli market and what the future may hold for the specialist retailer.

Sangita Tryner, owner, Delilah Fine Foods

Sangita, owner of 2025 Farm Shop & Deli Retailer of the Year Delilah Fine Foods will talk about her views on the future of the industry and how the business is adapting to the challenges the sector is facing.

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.

The 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.

To find out more and register for free tickets visit their website: ukfoodanddrinkshows.co.uk