What's new at the 2025 UK Food & Drink Shows?

Food and drink is one of the UK's most innovative industries - and its leading trade show is reflecting that innovation with a host of new features.

Thirty thousand visitors and 1,500 exhibitors will come together for the UK Food & Drink Shows, which is taking place at the NEC Birmingham from Monday 7 to Wednesday 9 April.

The event comprises four shows under one roof: National Convenience Show, Food & Drink Expo, Farm Shop & Deli Show and Foodex Manufacturing Solutions.

Innovation is one reason the UK Food & Drink Shows was last year crowned ‘Best UK Tradeshow more than 8,000 sq m’ in the Association of Event Organisers Excellence Awards. That innovation continues in 2025 with new themed areas:

• Future Food Zone is a significant expansion and evolution of the successful Healthy & Natural zone from previous years. It will offer a broader and more diverse range of innovative food and drink products from on-trend categories across keto, kombucha, fermented foods, whole foods, CBD, functional foods and more. This enhanced focus reflects the growing consumer demand for healthier, more sustainable, and innovative food options.
• Coffee Zone has been launched in partnership with The London Coffee Festival to reflect consumers developing more sophisticated palates, and demanding high-quality, consistent coffee. This area will host the latest innovations in the coffee industry including top roasters, alternative milks and the most sustainable cups.
• Packaging Zone will be a one-stop-shop for food and drink businesses seeking solutions to their packaging and plastic challenges, with an emphasis on sustainable solutions. This zone will allow industry professionals to connect with one another, share circular economy ideas, meet solutions providers and discover ground-breaking plastic reduction innovations to implement into their own business.
• Business Advice Hub, a dedicated area providing exhibitors and visitors to the show with access to free business advice and services.

Alongside the new zones will be established favourite the Plant-based Zone. Supported by The Vegan Society, this will offer vegan and plant-based products, including meat alternatives, snacks, drinks and ingredients.

Also new for 2025 is The Cocktail Stage, at Food & Drink Expo. From expertly crafted cocktails to creative mocktails, brands will use this space to present their drinks and serve samples. Don't miss your chance to sip, sample, and discover.

Visitors will be able to follow those drinks with an exciting dish or snack from one of the two dedicated street food areas being rolled out at this year's show.

Making its debut at Foodex is 'Food Manufacturing: Past, present and future', a 20-minute documentary looking at what the manufacturing industry was like 50 years ago, how it has evolved and what the next 10 years may hold. Playing on a loop at the show, the film features interviews with senior figures from across the industry alongside historical and present-day factory footage.

Foodex is also host to the new Associations Lounge, a meeting area for associations that have partnered with the show. Dedicated networking sessions are being held by the Cold Chain Federation on Monday 7 April (10am-11.30am) and by the UKWA on Wednesday 9 April (10am-11.30am).

And, to ensure visitors make the most of their time, the new UK Food & Drink Shows Digital Event Companion app offers a digital show guide featuring exhibitor directory, product listings and live event schedules; an interactive map that guides visitors to exhibitors, events and amenities; and an appointment scheduler that enables visitors to book meetings in advance.

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.

William Reed exhibitions managing director Andrew Reed, said: We look forward to once again welcoming visitors and exhibitors to the UK Food & Drink Shows in April.

At a time of continuing challenges in the shape of high input prices and rising employment costs, alongside the pressure on consumer spending, the shows offer an opportunity to gain invaluable insight and inspiration. From expert panels and presentations to face-to-face meetings with peers and industry associations, the UK Food & Drink Shows can help equip your business with the tools to flourish.

To find out more and register for free tickets visit the UK Food & Drink Shows website.