What's new at The 2026 UK Food & Drink Shows

Food innovation and the continued growth of the food-to-go market are among the topics in the spotlight at this year's UK Food & Drink Shows.

Bringing together businesses from across the industry at the NEC Birmingham from Monday 13 to Wednesday 15 April, the event comprises four shows: Food & Drink Expo, Farm Shop & Deli Show, National Convenience Show and Forecourt Show. Around 1,200 businesses will be exhibiting, and more than 25,000 visitors are expected to attend.

The UK Food & Drink Shows continues to evolve to reflect this vibrant and fast-moving industry, with new attractions for 2026 including:

• Spotlight on Coffee Shop & Café: As the food-to-go market continues to boom, this dedicated space at Farm Shop & Deli Show will highlight the latest trends and products shaping the sector.
• Spotlight on Future Foods: Part of Food & Drink Expo, this area will celebrate the brands and innovators redefining what good food means by showcasing wellness-driven, clean-label and sustainable products that deliver on taste and convenience.

Food innovation will also be highlighted by the debut of the show's Taste the Future competition, which gives visitors the chance to sample and score 40 trailblazing products across a range of categories. The winning supplier from each category will go forward to the live final and will be given 10 minutes to pitch their product to a panel of industry experts. The brand chosen by the judges will win a package worth £5,000 from consumer testing agency Stickybeak.

One new feature that is impossible to miss is revamped branding for the event that has been designed to reflect the evolution of the shows and the energy and ambition of the industry. The new look retains the event’s existing colour palette but features a contemporary typeface and new background textures.

Once again, The UK Food & Drink Shows promises a programme of panels, expert speakers and demonstrations on the topics and trends driving the industry. Here is just a taste of the dozens of sessions taking place across the three days:

• Borough Market - Balancing growth with heritage: Alistair Maddox, chief executive of Borough Market, discusses his vision for one of London’s most iconic food destinations.
• Co-Op Wholesale & Nisa - A fresh perspective: Co-Op Wholesale managing director Katie Secretan discusses the story behind the Nisa rebrand and what it means for retailers, partners and customers.
• Social media trends to watch: This presentation will dive into how Gen Z and Millennials are reshaping consumption through values-led choices and a demand for authenticity and emotional connection.
• Adam Stokes - The future of fine dining: Chef Adam Stokes discusses his career, including working with Aaron Patterson at Hambelton Hall, to becoming head chef at Glenapp Castle at just 26, where he earned his first Michelin star.
• Generating footfall at no extra cost: Claire Mortimer of Fabulous Farm Shops shares key steps retailers can take to increase footfall and revenue.

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, Restaurant, The Morning Advertiser and Convenience Store, and organises prestigious awards, business events and conferences.

We appreciate that retailers and suppliers continue to face intense pressure and are confident the shows can help to 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.

Dan Dixon, managing director of exhibitions at William Reed.

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