What’s new for UK Food & Drink Shows 2026?

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.

Businesses from across the grocery, hospitality, specialist retail and manufacturing sectors will come together for three days at the NEC Birmingham from Monday 13 to Wednesday 15 April. The 2026 UK Food & Drink Shows comprises four events that each target a sector of the food and drink industry:

• Food & Drink Expo is the destination for gaining insights into the future of food, and attracts decision makers from retail and wholesale grocery operations.
• farm shop & deli Show offers local and regional produce alongside new product development and equipment, labelling and packaging solutions.
• National Convenience Show is the biggest event for the convenience retailing sector and is described as a ‘one-stop destination’ for c-store-specific products and services.
• Forecourt Show will help businesses source products, fresh ideas and smart solutions to future-proof their operations.

Around 1,200 businesses will be exhibiting across the four shows, and more than 25,000 visitors are expected to attend the event. Once again, UK Food & Drink Shows promise a programme of panels, expert speakers and demonstrations on the topics and trends driving the industry. New attractions for 2026 include:

• 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.

Competitions are always a big part of the UK Food & Drink Shows lineup, and the 2026 event brings the debut of the Taste the Future contest. Visitors will have the chance to sample and score 40 trailblazing products. Participating brands will be in the running to win £5,000-worth of prizes.

Judging for the popular Britain’s Best Loaf and Britain’s Best Cake contests will take place live, while the winners of the Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards will be announced.

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