The Best Food Exhibitions in the UK in 2019

The food and drink industry in the UK is booming. It contributes an estimated £31.1 billion to our economy and is the largest manufacturing sector (Food & Drink Federation). So big in fact that it trumps the automotive and aerospace sectors combined.

If you’re thinking about entering the industry, attending a food exhibition is a great idea. Today, we’ll look at five of the best food exhibitions in the UK in 2019.

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Why go to a food exhibition?

Attending food exhibitions is a fun and interactive way to find out about industry trends. This could be innovations or new ingredients and their combinations that are becoming more popular. You’ll get a sense of this simply by walking around and chatting to the vendors. Some of the shows have seminars throughout the event too, so be careful not to miss one you’d be interested in.

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Networking is generally the main reason why people attend these events. There are booths with companies displaying their food products where attendees can chat with food industry professionals. Visitors can be students, salespeople, business representatives, or anyone who simply wants to increase their knowledge of everything food related.

They are packed with free samples of tasty food. We recommend going on an empty stomach - you usually won’t be disappointed.

There are different types and sizes of food exhibitions, which will of course influence the type and motivations of attendees.

The Best Food Exhibitions in the UK in 2019

What: Speciality and Fine Food Fair

When: 1st – 3rd September 2019 Where: Olympia Exhibition Centre, London

Why: This is the market leading exhibition for fine food and drink. The large networking event sees delicatessens, chefs, independent retailers, restauranteurs, hoteliers, importers and wholesalers share ideas and insight into the industry. Attendees can mingle with 10,000 industry buyers and meet 700 producers and suppliers of artisan food. Head to the discovery zone, where you can browse 200 new products and check out one of the 50 knowledge sessions. It’s the show’s 20th anniversary too!

What: The Allergy & Free From Show north

When: 2nd – 3rd November 2019 Where: BT Convention Centre, Liverpool

Why: If you’re interested in ‘free from’ food, this is your place, as it’s one of the largest celebrations of it in the world. Attendees can explore ground-breaking products and solutions to help improve the lifestyles of people with dietary requirements. This is less of a networking event and more aimed towards people who live with intolerances, allergies, coeliac disease etc. But if you did fancy entering the ‘free from’ food sector, what better place to chat to businesses already thriving and see the current state of the market is?

What: Food Entrepreneur Show

When: 19th - 20th November 2019 Where: ExCeL, London

Why: This is the event you want to head to if you’re eager to grow your food business. There are 500 industry leaders there, eager to share how you can stand out from the competition. There will also be 15,000 of the biggest names in terms of food buying and decision making you can network with. There will be seminars from big names in the food industry, including the Managing Director of GUSTO restaurants, Matt Snell, and the UK Marketing Director of Just Eat, Ben Carter. Expect to see brands like KFC, Turtle Bay, McDonald’s, Krispy Kreme and Greggs there.

What: Restaurant & Takeaway Innovation Exposition

When: 26th- 27th November 2019 Where: ExCeL, London

Why: There are 250 seminars from industry experts, including the CEO of Carluccio’s, Mark Jones; the International Managing Director of Domino’s, Simon Wallis; and the Just Eat advisor and former Dragons Den star, Sarah Willingham. Visit the Kitchen Innovation Zone where you can check out the latest equipment increasing efficiency in the kitchen. This saves heaps of time that you would spend looking online or browsing catalogues.

There’s also a Sustainability Trail, where you can see showcases from the sector’s most innovative and thought-provoking suppliers, whose solutions are redefining how restaurants and takeaways can implement eco-friendly strategies into their business operations.

And if that wasn’t enough, there are 350 exhibitors who you can chat to, and Innovation Awards that identify the individuals and businesses who are pioneering revolutionary ideas.

What: BBC Good Food Show

When: 28th November—1st December 2019 Where: NEC National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham

Why: This exhibition is a hub for the UK’s best chefs and food industry experts. You can find famous chefs like Mary Berry, Tom Kerridge and James Martin in the Big Kitchen and in live interviews. There are tonnes of exhibitors showcasing an extensive variety of food and cookery products, from brands you’ll recognise to smaller independent and artisan producers. There’s also live entrainment on a number of different stages. It’s a big day out that both the whole family and ambitious entrepreneurs can enjoy. It’s one of the biggest and most well-known food exhibitions in the UK, so it’s a brilliant opportunity for exhibitors to get the recognition their brand deserves.

Before you go…

To really make the most of your time at a food exhibition, there are a few things to think about before you attend:

1. Research the companies that are being showcased before you go. Then you can find out which ones you want to talk to the most.

2. Think carefully about what you want to say. Practise your introductions so you can make a good impression. If there are food franchises at the exhibition that you are thinking about investing in, you will want plan what you’re going to say.

3. Consider exactly why you are going. Maybe you’re just a foodie who wants to see the latest trends in the industry or you might have a lot riding on it. Either way, doing this will help you make the most of the experience.

4. If you are planning on mingling with potential business partners with the intention of furthering your career, plan a professional outfit to wear.