UK Food & Drinks Shows 2022.

UK Food & Drink Shows expect record-breaking event in 2022

The trade show circuit has resumed at last, and this April (25– 27), organisers of the UK Food & Drink Shows, William Reed, say that they are anticipating an unparalleled event as big brands, industry heavyweights and food and drink professionals fl ock to the NEC, Birmingham to experience the industry’s most comprehensive exhibition.

Comprising National Convenience Show, Farm Shop & Deli Show, Food & Drink Expo and the Forecourt Show and with exhibitor fl oor space all but sold out, each individual show has been tailored to its sector’s unique challenges whilst off ering visitors a wider snapshot of the industry’s overarching issues.

Expect to see big names such as Morrisons, Booker, Nisa, Hello Fresh, Innocent, Mondelez and Meatless Farm as well as those of smaller, specialist suppliers at the vanguard of innovation including Love Corn, Folkington’s and Cakehead.

Allied to this, visitors will benefi t from the exclusive insight off ered by expert panellists who are set to dissect and discuss the most pressing questions facing the industry across the three-day seminar programme.

With four diff erent shows under the same roof and many brands exhibiting exclusively at the UK Food & Drinks Shows, the shows are unique in their ability to off er countless opportunities for insight, innovation and networking meaning valuable time spent out of the offi ce can have even more of an impact for visitors whose interests go beyond any individual show.

Andrew Reed, managing director – wine & exhibitions, William Reed, said: “When the UK Food & Drink Shows open this spring, expect a show like never before. From established brands to exciting start-ups, it’s set to be a jampacked show fl oor showcasing the best the industry has to off er.

“Virtual meetings may have been a blessing during the last two years, but nothing compares to the impact of conducting business in person. On the show fl oor this April, there’s no better opportunity to make the most of face-to-face meetings and forge new and revive existing relationships. I would urge anyone connected with our industry to register for their free badge to attend.”

With quality and excellence at its heart, the Farm Shop & Deli Show is also set to launch a new Product Awards Scheme. Adding value to regional food and drink producers, and showcasing excellence in the industry, these awards will be celebrating the very best that the UK has to off er by showcasing quality products that are grown, reared or created exclusively in the UK. Across six categories (Meat, Condiments, Bakery, Beverages, Confectionery, and Preserves) an esteemed panel of judges will consider criteria such as sustainability, ethical brand stories and provenance before announcing the winners.

Andrew Reed added: “These awards will celebrate the incredible range of products on off er in the Farm Shop community. Covid-19 amplifi ed the demand for locally-sourced, highquality products and in creating these awards. We hope to shine a spotlight on the fantastic producers we have in the UK and their unwavering dedication to excellence.

“In a recently completed survey, 94% of respondents considered attending Farm Shop & Deli Show as important to their business and so it’s fi tting that following a tough period in our industry’s history we come together and launch these awards in recognition of this sector’s unparalleled expertise.”