International Food & Drink Event (IFE): UK's leading food and drink show: manufacturing, retail, and hospitality innovation.

Have you ever wondered where your favourite new snack comes from, or how that amazing dish in a restaurant gets its unique flavour? The world of food and drink is constantly evolving, driven by passion, creativity, and incredible new ideas. From the way food is made and packaged (“manufacturing”) to how it reaches your plate in a supermarket (“retail”) or a restaurant (“hospitality”), there’s a buzz of “innovation” everywhere. If you’re involved in any part of this delicious journey – perhaps you’re a food producer, a chef, a shop owner, a distributor, or someone looking to launch the next big food trend – then the International Food & Drink Event (IFE) is the place you absolutely need to be. It’s not just a show; it’s the UK’s leading marketplace for everything edible and drinkable!

Imagine stepping into a massive hall, alive with the aromas of spices, freshly baked goods, and exotic drinks. You’ll see thousands of new products, taste exciting flavours from around the world, and discover the smart ways food is being produced and delivered. This show is all about connecting you with the latest in “food and drink innovation,” helping you find new “manufacturing” solutions, boosting your “retail” offerings, and enhancing your “hospitality” business. It’s your golden opportunity to find your next bestsellers, learn from the brightest minds, and truly immerse yourself in the vibrant world of food.

Your Essential Guide: Where, When, and What It Costs

Ready to taste the future of food and drink? Here are the key details for the International Food & Drink Event (IFE) in London:

Location: ExCeL London, United Kingdom. This huge, modern exhibition center is located in London’s Docklands and is a fantastic space for such a grand and diverse event.
Dates: Mark your calendars for March 30th to April 1st, 2026. This is a three-day event, giving you plenty of time to explore the many different halls, attend valuable talks, and make important connections.
Timings:
- Monday, March 30th, 2026: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday, March 31st, 2026: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday, April 1st, 2026: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (The last day often closes a bit earlier).
Cost: Access to IFE is designed specifically for trade professionals:
- Free-to-Attend: The fantastic news is that IFE is generally FREE to attend for genuine trade professionals who pre-register online. This includes retailers, wholesalers, buyers, chefs, caterers, food manufacturers, distributors, and anyone else working within the food and drink industry. You will need to provide your business details to receive your complimentary trade pass.
- On-Site Registration: While pre-registration is free, if you decide to register on the day at the venue, there might be a small charge (e.g., around £40 + VAT for the 2025 event). It’s always best to pre-register online to save time and avoid any queues or fees.
- Children Policy: IFE is a trade-only event. While children under 16 years old are generally advised not to attend due to the business focus, if you do need to bring a child, they will require a special wristband obtained on-site. Visitors aged 16 and over must register as a trade visitor.

Getting There and Finding a Place to Stay

ExCeL London is a well-connected venue, making your journey to IFE straightforward:

By Public Transport (DLR): The easiest way to get to ExCeL is by using the DLR (Docklands Light Railway). Take the DLR to “Custom House for ExCeL” or “Prince Regent for ExCeL” stations. Both are located right at the venue’s doorstep, connecting you seamlessly.
By Elizabeth Line: The Elizabeth Line (also known as Crossrail) has a station at Custom House, providing fast and direct connections from central London (like Liverpool Street, Farringdon, and Paddington) and even Heathrow Airport. This is a very convenient option for many attendees.
By Tube: You can easily connect to the DLR or Elizabeth Line from various London Underground (Tube) lines, making ExCeL accessible from almost anywhere in London.
By Car: ExCeL London has good road links, and parking facilities are available on-site, though there’s usually a daily charge (around £25 per day for the 2025 event). However, driving in central London can be busy, and public transport is often the most straightforward way to avoid traffic and parking hassles, especially considering the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) operates in this area.
By Air: If you’re flying into London, London City Airport (LCY) is incredibly close to ExCeL, making for a very quick transfer. Other major airports like Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW) have direct train or coach connections into central London, from where you can easily connect to ExCeL.

When it comes to finding a place to stay, London offers a vast range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference:

Near ExCeL: For ultimate convenience, there are several hotels located directly on the ExCeL site or within a very short walk. These are perfect for early starts and late finishes at the show. Look for well-known names like the Aloft London ExCeL, Novotel London ExCeL, Moxy London ExCeL, Holiday Inn Express London – ExCeL, DoubleTree by Hilton London ExCeL, and the unique Sunborn London Yacht Hotel.
Canary Wharf: Just a short DLR ride away, Canary Wharf is a major business district with many modern, high-quality hotels, diverse restaurants, and vibrant bars. It’s a popular choice for attendees looking for a slightly different vibe close to the venue.
Central London: For those who want to combine their visit with exploring London’s famous sights and vibrant city life, staying in central areas like Shoreditch, the City of London, or Westminster provides countless hotel options, dining, and attractions, all with easy DLR or Elizabeth Line connections to ExCeL.
Booking Tip: IFE is a significant annual event in the global food and drink industry, attracting thousands of visitors and exhibitors. Hotels, especially those closest to ExCeL, can get booked up very quickly, and prices may rise closer to the dates. It’s highly recommended to book your accommodation well in advance – ideally several months before the show – to secure the best rates and your preferred location. The official IFE website often partners with accommodation providers or offers advice on finding suitable hotels.

The Big Benefits: Why You Absolutely Should Be There

Why should you carve out time in your busy schedule for IFE? The advantages are immense for any business in the food and drink sector:

Unrivalled Product Sourcing: This is your ultimate marketplace for everything food and drink. You’ll find thousands of products across countless categories – from innovative snacks and beverages to specialty foods, fresh produce, bakery items, ingredients, and much more. It’s the perfect place to discover your next bestsellers.
Discover Cutting-Edge Innovation: IFE is a hub for “food and drink innovation.” You’ll see the latest trends in plant-based alternatives, sustainable packaging, health and wellness products, international flavours, and new technologies that are changing how food is produced and consumed.
Experience Products First-Hand: Online Browse only goes so far. At IFE, you can physically see, touch, smell, and most importantly, taste the products. This is crucial for judging quality, flavour profiles, and how an item will truly perform for your business.
Meet Your Suppliers Face-to-Face: Build valuable relationships with existing suppliers and discover new ones. Chat directly with manufacturers, discuss custom orders, negotiate deals, and get a real feel for the people behind the products. Strong relationships can lead to better terms and exclusive access.
Gain Industry Insights: Benefit from a packed programme of free, expert-led seminars, workshops, and panel discussions on dedicated stages. Learn about vital topics like consumer behaviour, supply chain resilience, food safety regulations, market trends, and strategies for growth in “manufacturing, retail, and hospitality.”
Unrivalled Networking: IFE brings together a diverse range of professionals. Meet thousands of fellow retailers, wholesalers, buyers, chefs, caterers, food manufacturers, distributors, and industry peers. Build valuable partnerships, share experiences, and explore potential collaborations that can drive your business forward.
Co-Located Shows for Complete Solutions: IFE is part of a larger Food, Drink & Hospitality Week. This means you get access to other highly relevant shows happening at the same time and place, often including:
- IFE Manufacturing: Focusing on ingredients, packaging, processing, and technology.
- The Pub Show: Tailored for the pub sector.
- HRC (Hotel, Restaurant & Catering): Dedicated to the hospitality industry, from kitchen equipment to furniture.
- International Salon Culinaire: A prestigious chef competition and display of culinary talent. This offers a truly comprehensive experience.
New Product Launches & Startups: IFE is a prime platform for new brands and products to launch. Explore the “Startup Market” to find innovative emerging UK brands and witness live pitches from exciting new businesses.
International Pavilions: Experience a world of flavours as international pavilions showcase unique food and drink products from different countries, offering you a taste of global trends and sourcing opportunities.
Awards & Recognition: The show celebrates excellence and innovation through various industry awards. It’s inspiring to see groundbreaking products and companies being recognized.

Attending IFE isn’t just about stocking up; it’s about immersing yourself in the cutting-edge of the food and drink world. It’s an incredible chance to learn, connect, and discover everything you need to keep your business thriving and your customers delighted. Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of the UK’s leading food and drink event!

To learn more and register for your free trade tickets, visit the official website: https://www.ife.co.uk/