More than 150 producers and importers are planning to launch new products and services at Food & Drink Expo next month. The UK's premier food trade show in 2002 at the NEC Birmingham from March 17-20, is organised by The Grocer's publisher William Reed Group. More than 400 growers, producers and importers will be exhibiting at the show, making Food & Drink Expo the place to uncover what's new in the industry. In addition to all the big suppliers, hundreds of regional specialists from across the UK are banding together in national pavilions so they can display their traditional and innovative ranges. There will also be major coverage of the organic sector with more than 50 exhibitors showing their organic ranges. In addition the Soil Association and Organic Food Federation will be offering advice on certification from farm to supermarket shelf. Overseas producers will be out in force with more than 60 international exhibitors from across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, America and the Pacific. Award winning ales, lagers, stouts, beers and ciders from around the world will also be on show. The Wine & Spirit Education Trust will be running free tasting technique sessions covering the first level of its international diploma in wine tasting. In separate sessions its experts will share the rules for marrying wines with food. Food demonstrations on the Ideas to Dine For stage at the centre of the show will include delicious fruit desserts, sugar work and ice sculptures, a sumptuous feast using simple English ingredients and authentic Indian spices, and West Country beef recipes created by Antony Worrall Thompson. The stage will also feature the supreme products of the show chosen for their taste, versatility, packaging, added value and innovation. Running alongside Food & Drink Expo will be the Convenience Retailing Show, and the Association of Convenience Stores will be staging its Annual Conference at NEC Metropole on March 19. For further information on Food and Drink Expo visit www.foodanddrinkexpo.co.uk {{NEWS }}