From developing staff to building a multifaceted store, The UK Food & Drink Shows will equip independent retailers with knowledge that can provide a competitive edge.
Taking place at the NEC Birmingham from Monday 13 to Wednesday 15 April, the event comprises four shows that each target a sector of the food and drink industry: Food & Drink Expo, Farm Shop & Deli Show, National Convenience Show and Forecourt Show.
Around 1,200 businesses will be exhibiting across the four shows, and more than 25,000 visitors are expected to attend the event to sample the latest in food and drink innovations, and explore services and equipment that will help their businesses flourish.
“The scale and the location is amazing,” said Paula Raubenheimer, What Recipe co-founder, after last year’s show. “It allows one to have access to people that one wouldn’t necessarily have at something in London. The UK Food & Drinks Show, and the Farm Shop & Deli Show, are unparalleled.”
Invest Northern Ireland described The UK Food & Drink Shows as a great place for the development agency to exhibit.
“The shows have gone from strength to strength,” said Michelle Charrington, Invest Northern Ireland marketing development professional. “It’s really vibrant, and we love the fact that lots of speciality food wholesalers take a stand here so they’re at hand to come and chat with suppliers.”
Once again, The UK Food & Drink Shows will feature a packed programme of insightful panels, expert speakers and inspiring demonstrations on the topics and trends that are driving the industry. See below for details of some of the presentations that independent food and drink retailers won’t want to miss.
To find out more and register for free tickets visit The UK Food & Drink Shows website.
Panels and presentations
Some of The UK Food & Drink Shows panels and presentations that independent food and drink retailers won’t want to miss.
Monday 13 April
Borough Market: balancing growth with heritage
10.45am, Farm Shop & Deli Stage
Nicole Casey, director of operations at Borough Market, offers a behind-the-scenes look at how one of London’s most iconic food destinations continues to thrive while staying true to its heritage.
Kelvin Fletcher: from TV to farm
11:30am, Farm Shop & Deli Stage
Actor, model, racing driver, presenter and farmer Kelvin Fletcher talks about his story from TV screens to farming, the future of Fletchers’ Family Farm and the challenges and opportunities impacting the industry.
Competing with the biggest food trends of 2026
12.15pm, The Grocer Stage
A live, interactive gameshow exploring the biggest trends shaping the food and drink industry. From GLP-1s and weight management to gut health, HFSS reformulation, and the UPF debate, discover what’s driving consumer behaviour and how innovative ingredients are transforming product development.
Dragons’ Pantry
12.30pm, Farm Shop & Deli Stage
Watch and learn as brave entrepreneurs meet our fearsomely experienced industry ‘dragons’ to make their 15-minute pitch. Success could bring a new listing and coverage in The Grocer, while everyone gets invaluable insights into what works in-store.
Unlocking growth with TikTok
1.15pm, The Grocer Stage
This session explores how brands and retailers can harness the platform’s unique algorithm, partnerships, and shopping features to drive business results. Hear from industry experts and successful sellers share strategies for building visibility, engaging audiences and converting views into sales.
Staff culture: building a team to thrive
1.45pm, Farm Shop & Deli Stage
In this session, a panel of leading specialist retailers explore how cultivating a positive, inclusive and purpose-driven workplace can directly impact customer experience, employee retention and business performance.
Where next for plant based?
2.15pm, The Grocer Stage
The plant-based food sector is undergoing transformative change as retailers and suppliers get closer to what consumers are looking for today and in the future. In this panel discussion, retailers explore the future of plant-based – from cutting-edge innovations in food technology to shifting cultural perceptions and market trends.
Britain’s Best Cake 2026
3.15pm, The Grocer Stage
Britain’s Best Cake is a competition for professional bakers, judged by professional bakers and industry experts. This ceremony will announce the winning sweet treats across a range of categories.
Farm Shop & Deli Retailers of the Year 2026 revealed
3.15pm, Farm Shop & Deli Stage
These annual awards recognise the speciality retailers leading the sector in customer service, innovation, community involvement and more. See who is crowned Farm Shop & Deli Retailer of the Year for 2026.
Tuesday 14 April
Building a multifaceted retail store
10.45am, Farm Shop & Deli Stage
With a restaurant, in-house butchers, outdoor garden centre and a grocery store, Field to Fork in Warwickshire is driving success with a multichannel approach. Director and owner Mark Tate discusses the business in detail, the challenges and opportunities facing the farm shop and deli market, and what the future may hold for the specialist retailer.
Get more of your surplus food to people in need
11am, The Grocer Stage
Compared to other countries, the UK lags behind in efforts to redistribute surplus food to people, with only 1% of food waste making it to communities in need. In this session, industry experts discuss what can be done to support UK food and drink businesses to increase food surplus redistribution, including proposals for mandatory food waste reporting.
Social media trends to watch
11.45am, The Grocer Stage
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. Discover what’s trending, why it matters, and how brands can stay ahead in a landscape where every bite is a statement.
Dragons’ Pantry
12.30pm, Farm Shop & Deli Stage
Brave entrepreneurs meet our fearsomely experienced industry ‘dragons’ to make their 15-minute pitch.
Fmcg innovation trends from Expo West
12.30pm, The Grocer Stage
This presentation unpacks the standout trends from Expo West and explores how shoppers in the US and UK respond to innovation. It offers a practical guide to what’s landing with consumers and how to test your way to smarter, faster product development.
Fortnum & Mason: expanding across the UK
1.45pm, Farm Shop & Deli Stage
Fortnum & Mason has announced it plans to expand outside of London for the first time, and recently launched its first membership scheme giving customers benefits including free delivery. In this interview, Fortnum & Mason CEO Tom Athron talks about these plans as the luxury retailer aims to become more relevant all year round to British foodies.
Navigating the challenges facing UK specialist retail
2.30pm, Farm Shop & Deli Stage
In this session, industry leaders explore the key challenges impacting specialist retailers and how businesses can adapt, innovate, and thrive in a landscape that demands both resilience and reinvention.
Britain’s Best Loaf 2026
3.15pm, The Grocer Stage
The winners of the hugely popular Britain’s Best Loaf competition, which is judged live at the show, will be announced in this ceremony. Awards will be given across a variety of categories including innovation, sourdough, and gluten-free – and the ultimate accolade of Britain’s Best Loaf 2026.
Wednesday 15 April
Generating footfall at no extra cost
10.45am, Farm Shop & Deli Stage
Claire Mortimer of Fabulous Farm Shops shares the key steps retailers can take to increase footfall and revenue to their stores, with testimonials from farm shops that have already achieved it.
Dragons’ Pantry
12.45pm, Farm Shop & Deli Stage
Brave entrepreneurs meet our fearsomely experienced industry ‘dragons’ to make their 15-minute pitch.
How the UK food to go market Is changing
1:45pm, The Grocer Stage
In this session, Lumina Intelligence will focus on shifts in product offerings, pricing strategies, and consumer behaviour. Learn how economic pressures, health-conscious trends, sustainability demands, and digital innovation are reshaping what’s available, how much it costs, and how it’s consumed.
Farm Shop & Deli Product Awards: meet the gold winners
2pm, Farm Shop & Deli Stage
The Farm Shop & Deli Product Awards showcase the best products in the specialist retail sector, from a taste, branding and commercial viability perspective. Join us as some of our gold winners take to the stage to showcase their products, giving you the opportunity to try for yourself and ask any burning questions you might have
UK Food & Drink Shows
Comprising: Food & Drink Expo, Farm Shop & Deli Show, National Convenience Show, Forecourt Show
Monday 13 to Wednesday 15 April 2026
NEC Birmingham
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