The UK hosts a variety of food and drink exhibitions and trade shows catering to different segments of the industry, including professionals, enthusiasts, and the general public. At Starlight we work with a number of clients within the food and drink industry creating bespoke modular displays that enable them to showcase their brand, their products and their amazing teams at a host of events.
While specific event dates and details may vary yearly, here’s a list of ten notable food and drink exhibitions typically held in the UK, known for their popularity, scale, and impact on the industry. It’s advisable to check the latest event information directly from the organisers due to potential changes in schedules or formats.
The ten best food and drinks exhibitions you could feature at
Our top ten food and drink exhibitions shown below provide industry experts with great opportunities to give their brand or new products the exposure they feel it merits.
IFE (The International Food & Drink Event)
IFE is one of the UK’s largest and most respected food and drink industry events, bringing together more international and UK buyers and suppliers than any other UK event. It covers all sectors of the food and drink industry.
BBC Good Food Show
Taking place in Birmingham, this is one of the largest and most popular food festivals in the UK. It features cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, tastings, and a wide range of food and drink vendors.
Taste of London
Hosted in Regent’s Park, London, this event showcases the city’s best restaurants, chefs, and food and drink brands. Visitors can enjoy signature dishes from top restaurants, participate in cooking masterclasses, and sample a variety of products.
London Coffee Festival
Celebrating London’s vibrant coffee culture, this festival features gourmet coffee, specialty tea, artisan food, and demonstrations from world-class baristas. It’s a must-visit for coffee enthusiasts.
Speciality & Fine Food Fair
Focused on artisan, speciality, and luxury food and drink, this trade event held in London is a key date for food retailers, buyers, and chefs looking for new and innovative products.
Imbibe Live
Targeted at the drinks industry, including sommeliers, bartenders, and buyers, this London event showcases the latest in beverage innovation, from craft beers to fine wines and spirits, along with masterclasses and tastings.
Lunch!
Specifically focusing on the food-to-go sector, Lunch! is an essential event for anyone in the café, catering, and food-to-go industry, showcasing innovative products and hosting expert-led seminars.
Food & Drink Expo
Part of the Farm Shop & Deli Show at the NEC Birmingham, this trade show provides a comprehensive view of the food and drink market, from manufacturing to retail, offering insights, new product launches, and networking opportunities.
Caffè Culture Show
Aimed at the café and coffee shop industry, this event offers the chance to discover the latest trends, products, and innovations in the coffee market, with workshops, tastings, and competitions.
The Restaurant Show
Including the Bar & Pub Show and Catering Equipment Expo, this comprehensive event in London caters to the hospitality industry, showcasing the latest in food service and hospitality.
Remember, dates and event schedules can change, and new events may emerge. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official website of each trade show.
Choosing to exhibit at a food or drink show can be a great chance for your brand to be seen by industry experts as well as those who are likely to buy your products from stores and online. Having a presence at such events not only stands to show that you have a position within the industry and are a reputable brand, but it gives you the chance to announce innovation, network with other industry professionals and become inspired by the competition. Perhaps you could even be the inspiration for the competition itself? Bring your product to life with audio visual content at your event stand and don’t forget samples! Exhibition giveaways are a great way to help your brand become memorable!
Should you need help to elevate your brand at a food or drink exhibition, speak to the team at Starlight. We are the experts in creating engaging, welcoming and captivating exhibition stands. Whether you need a lightbox display to illuminate a brand message or want to enhance your green credentials with a sustainable exhibition stand, we can help. We even offer a free event stand design service, freeing up the need to hire an additional creative team! Contact us today and allow us to transform your presence at the next food and drink exhibition your brand attends.
