High ambition for rebranded ‘Cater Expo’

Turner Price has rebranded its annual foodservice exhibition to help attract record numbers and establish itself within the national catering calendar.

The newly named ‘Cater Expo’ will be one of the largest food exhibitions in the North, dedicated to caterers in hospitality, leisure, education and care. It takes place at the Bonus Arena, Hull, on 20 September. Supported by many leading food and drink brands, it’s an opportunity for chefs to sample hundreds of products, while networking with fellow professionals.

Key brand partners of the Cater Expo include Lamb Weston, Premier Foods, Essential Cuisine, Violife Professional, Northern Bloc and Vegware, as well as several service providers.

Tom English, event organiser and marketing manager at Turner Price, said: “Our annual exhibition has grown each year with bigger venues and more visitors, so we feel it is the right time to give the event a professional brand to encourage even more caterers to see what Turner Price can offer.

“We have launched a dedicated Cater Expo website and are building a mobile app to give an enhanced experience to attendees. Our aim is to showcase innovation for professional caterers, whether that’s through products, cost-saving solutions or insight into the latest trends.

“It wouldn’t be possible without the backing of so many great brands. And to once again have over 100 exhibitors means there will be something for everyone. We are also working on exciting plans for 2024 and beyond, which could see the Cater Expo held in different cities across the North.”

One exhibitor is leading global manufacturer Violife Professional, who will be showcasing their plant-based butter, cream and cheese. Head of Europe, Damian McLoughlin, said: “Violife Professional has been working closely with Turner Price for many years now, as part of our national support for independent wholesale. Through their regular food exhibitions, they play a vital role, providing suppliers with the opportunity for customers to taste and give direct feedback on products. Registration is now open and free for all attendees. Any professionals within catering are welcome to attend, including business owners, chefs, catering managers, front of house, procurement and students, but it is not open to the public.

To find out more, visit caterexpo.com.

Crosta & Mollica is the new sponsor of ‘Channel 4 Food’, in the Italian brand’s first-ever national TV campaign – and a debut partnership with the public service broadcaster.

It launched in July, including sponsorship of the ‘Channel 4 Food’ programme strand across its streaming and linear platforms, as well as ‘Cooking Inspirations’ on W, featuring the new series of MasterChef Australia.

The package incorporates all Come Dine With Me content, including sponsorship of the popular show on Channel 4’s social platforms, in addition to a selection of culinary programmes.

New idents have been created by Milan-based creative agency, Auge, consisting of different Italian settings, depicting friends and family members enjoying Crosta & Mollica’s selection of premium Italian foods, including pizza, aperitivo snacks and gelato.

Rupinder Downie, sponsorship and commercial partnerships leader at

Channel 4, said: “Our partnership with Crosta & Mollica is a fantastic example of how Channel 4 can help brands reach highly targeted and engaged audiences. The rarely available ‘Channel 4 Food’ strand and W’s ‘Cooking Inspirations’ offer a fantastic selection of mouth-watering content, perfectly complementing Crosta & Mollica’s delicious range of authentic Italian food.”

Dean Lavender, head of marketing at Crosta & Mollica, said: “It marks an exciting new chapter for us, with our first-ever TV sponsorship. This platform allows us to connect with over 18m foodies across the UK, by showcasing our passion for bringing people together with delicious Italian food, wrapped in the highly distinctive Crosta & Mollica striped packaging.”