In the ever-evolving landscape of food and drink, staying current isn’t optional—it’s essential. That’s why thousands of industry professionals gather every two years at the Food & Drink Expo, one of the UK’s most comprehensive and influential events dedicated to the retail, wholesale, and foodservice sectors. From discovering cutting-edge products to forging meaningful business relationships, this expo is where the future of the food industry unfolds.
Whether you’re a retailer, wholesaler, manufacturer, chef, or entrepreneur, this is your opportunity to connect, learn, and grow in an environment designed for serious business and fresh innovation.
Event Overview: Where and When
The Food & Drink Expo takes place at NEC Birmingham, a venue known for hosting some of the UK’s largest and most respected trade exhibitions. In 2025, the event is scheduled for 7th to 9th April, running over three full days.
The show typically opens at 10:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM on the first two days, and wraps up slightly earlier on the final day at 4:00 PM. The NEC’s central location and excellent transport links—train, car, or air—make it accessible for professionals from across the UK and beyond.
Entry and Registration
One of the major benefits of the Food & Drink Expo is that entry is free to all professionals within the trade. Whether you’re involved in grocery, hospitality, food production, or catering, you can attend simply by registering online in advance. This not only ensures your smooth entry but also grants you access to a host of co-located shows, creating even more value from a single visit.
Your badge also includes entry to:
- Farm Shop & Deli Show
- National Convenience Show
- Foodex Manufacturing Solutions
Together, these events create a dynamic environment where multiple aspects of the food industry converge under one roof.
Nearby Accommodation Options
Birmingham offers a wide variety of accommodation for all budgets near the NEC:
- Hilton Birmingham Metropole – A premium choice for comfort and proximity
- Ibis Styles Birmingham NEC – Modern and budget-friendly
- Premier Inn Birmingham NEC – Practical and affordable
- Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC – Excellent for business travelers
With shuttle services and walking access available, staying nearby allows you to make the most of your time at the event, including early morning sessions and networking opportunities.
Who Should Attend?
The Food & Drink Expo caters to a diverse range of industry professionals:
- Grocery retailers and supermarket buyers
- Wholesalers and distributors
- Hospitality operators—restaurants, pubs, cafés, and hotels
- Food and drink producers and manufacturers
- Procurement managers and menu developers
- Packaging and technology service providers
- Start-up food entrepreneurs and innovation scouts
No matter where you fit within the supply chain, the show offers something of direct relevance to your business.
What You Can Expect at the Show
1. Product Discovery
The show floor is filled with established brands and up-and-coming producers showcasing the latest in food, drink, and consumer trends. From convenience goods to organic products, plant-based innovations to indulgent treats, you’ll find a product range that covers every corner of the sector.
2. Live Demonstrations
Watch live culinary demonstrations from renowned chefs and brand ambassadors. These sessions give you practical ideas, menu inspiration, and a clear understanding of how featured products can be applied in real-world settings.
3. Insightful Seminars
Engage in expert-led panel discussions and keynote talks on the pressing topics facing the industry today—rising food costs, sustainability, packaging solutions, dietary innovation, supply chain disruptions, and consumer buying trends.
4. Networking Opportunities
With thousands of industry professionals in attendance, the event is an ideal platform to build partnerships, make purchasing decisions, and have face-to-face conversations with both suppliers and customers.
5. Innovation Zones
Spotlight areas throughout the venue are dedicated to trending categories like plant-based foods, functional drinks, eco-friendly packaging, and health-conscious snacks. These zones are perfect for discovering what’s next in food development.
Why You Should Attend
There are many reasons the Food & Drink Expo is considered a must-attend event in the UK food calendar:
- Discover emerging trends before they reach mass market
- Compare suppliers side-by-side to find the best deals and quality
- Source new products that can differentiate your business
- Learn from industry leaders offering deep insights and strategic thinking
- Expand your professional network in a setting built for conversation
- Experience innovations firsthand rather than through a screen or brochure
If your role involves product selection, business development, or staying ahead of consumer preferences, this expo gives you the tools and relationships you need to succeed.
How to Get the Most from Your Visit
- Pre-register online to skip long queues and access full event features
- Download the show guide and plan which exhibitors and sessions to attend
- Schedule meetings in advance with suppliers or prospects
- Explore co-located events for a wider scope of opportunities
- Take notes and collect materials for post-event follow-ups
- Allow at least one full day to see everything and make meaningful connections
Bringing your team? Divide the show floor and regroup to share insights. This strategy ensures you get the most out of the experience without missing key opportunities.
Post-Event Benefits
The impact of attending doesn’t end when the doors close. In the weeks following the expo, many attendees report stronger supplier relationships, faster sourcing decisions, clearer product direction, and the confidence to act on emerging trends.
You also gain access to extended digital content from the show’s organizers—session recordings, interviews, and ongoing updates—helping you stay informed and ahead of the competition.
Final Thoughts
The Food & Drink Expo is more than just a trade event—it’s a launchpad for new ideas, new relationships, and new ways of doing business. With its unmatched blend of product variety, educational content, and industry networking, the expo represents the very best of what the UK food and drink industry has to offer.
Whether you’re a seasoned buyer or a first-time visitor, this is your chance to see, taste, and learn everything you need to drive your business forward in 2025 and beyond.
Book Your Ticket Now
Secure your free pass to the Food & Drink Expo and prepare to experience the most complete showcase in the UK food and drink industry: