For anyone in food or drink manufacturing, supply, hospitality, or catering, the International Food & Drink Event (IFE) is the must-attend industry showcase. It’s the beating heart of global food innovation, bringing to life the latest products, trends, and supplier connections under one roof at Excel London each spring. With more than 1,500 suppliers and 30,000 international trade buyers, IFE sets the agenda for what’s next in food and drink.
Here’s everything you need to know about making the most of your visit to the biggest food and drink gathering in the UK.
Overview: Venue, Dates & Schedule
IFE 2025 runs from 17–19 March at Excel London, Royal Victoria Dock:
- 17–18 March: 10:00 to 17:00
- 19 March: 10:00 to 16:00, with last entry at 15:00 and onsite registration closing at 14:00 foodandbeverage.business+7ife.co.uk+7excel.london+7
Excel London is a premium convention centre, easily reached via Elizabeth Line, DLR, and road; it also offers on-site parking despite some access restrictions. excel.london
Cost & Registration
- Registration is free until midnight 16 March
- From 17 March, onsite registration will be charged at £40 (plus VAT) and require trade credentials ife.co.uk
- Your pass grants full access not only to IFE but also to the wider Food, Drink & Hospitality Week—covering IFE Manufacturing, The Pub Show, HRC, and International Salon Culinaire cfea.com+10ife.co.uk+10excel.london+10
Accommodation & Travel Planning
To maximise your time at the event, consider staying at any of these nearby hotels:
- Novotel London ExCeL
- Aloft London ExCeL
- Ibis London Docklands
- Crowne Plaza London Docklands
Arrive early to secure rooms, as availability dips when large-scale trade events fill the venue.
What You’ll Experience
1. Discovery of Global Food Innovations
IFE features eight major themed zones—Bakery, Chilled & Frozen, Drinks, Grocery & Wholesale, Health & Wellbeing, International Pavilions, Snacks & Confectionery, and Speciality Food—showcasing more than 1,500 suppliers from over 90 countries. cfea.com+9getaltd.co.uk+9expostandservice.com+9
2. Live Tasting & Demo Experiences
The New Products Tasting Theatre invites visitors to sample and judge the latest offerings—from plant-based meats to functional beverages. Meanwhile, the International Salon Culinaire brings chef-driven demonstrations to the main arena. travel2fair.com+3foodandbeverage.business+3ife.co.uk+3
3. Learning & Trend Insight
The Future Food Stage and Trends & Innovation Platform feature seminars on nutrition, sustainability, AI in food production, digital retail, vegan trends, and consumer signals. Expect over 70 industry-led presentations. ife.co.uk+4foodandbeverage.business+4expostandservice.com+4
4. Innovation Awards & Recognition
The World Food Innovation Awards highlight game-changing products and brands—positioning successful finalists as market leaders. travel2fair.com+2expostandservice.com+2foodandbeverage.business+2
5. Startup Exposure
The Startup Market puts emerging companies in front of established buyers. Recent participants included cricket protein burgers, saffron tea startups, and craft gin distillers. ife.co.uk
6. Exporter Hub & Global Network
Export-focused content is available via IFE Manufacturing and the Exporter Hub, where you’ll be able to explore international supply chains and trade-building resources. cfea.com+9foodandbeverage.business+9ife.co.uk+9
7. Certification & Sourcing Clinics
These sessions feature expert guidance from certification bodies (such as BRCGS, Soil Association, RSPCA Assured) and sourcing advice via the Advice‑To‑Go Zone. foodandbeverage.business
8. Networking Events
Expand your contacts during early-morning mixers, Match & Mingle receptions, and hosted breakfasts tailored to foodservice, manufacturing, and hospitality buyers. ife.co.uk
Why You Should Attend
- Taste what’s next: Preview emerging products before they hit mainstream distribution
- Access global insight: Connect directly with suppliers from 90+ countries
- Spot trends early: Tap into top-level industry thinking and innovation trajectories
- Source smart solutions: From packaging and certification to production, hospitality, and logistics—find everything in one venue
- Build relationships: The proportion of influential buyers and food professionals present is unrivalled
- Accelerate your business: Launch your product, scope investment, or build new distribution channels
Who Should Attend?
IFE caters to a wide spectrum of food & drink professionals, including:
- Manufacturing and supply chain executives
- Retail and wholesale buyers
- Foodservice and hospitality procurement heads
- Catering managers and hospitality operators
- Menu developers, food technologists, innovation teams
- Regulatory, sourcing, and sustainability specialists
- Startups and entrepreneurs
- Exporters and global trade delegations
- Certification bodies and packaging technologists
Top Preparation Tips
- Register online early to secure a free pass
- Study the floorplan and book sessions via the event app
- Set SMART goals—whether finding a new supplier, entering a new market, or innovating a category
- Bring essentials: business cards, digital QR contacts, and note-taking setup
- Use quieter moments to connect in lounges or cafés
- Capture follow-up notes and leads immediately
- Revisit session materials and network contacts post-show to maintain momentum
The Final Word
The International Food & Drink Event is not just a trade fair—it’s the pulse of global food industry evolution. Whether you’re anchoring your brand in London or pushing into new markets overseas, IFE provides the trend insights, supplier connections, and inspiration you need to thrive.
Three days at Excel might just connect you to your next superstar supplier, innovation partner, or business breakthrough.
Book Your Ticket
Secure your place at the International Food & Drink Event now and join food industry professionals from around the world in March: